A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Representative text cannot be shown for this hymn due to copyright.

Translator: F. Samuel Janzow

F. Samuel Janzow was Professor of English at Concordia University Chicago from 1954 to 1980. NNM Go to person page >

Author: Martin Luther

Luther, Martin, born at Eisleben, Nov. 10, 1483; entered the University of Erfurt, 1501 (B.A. 1502, M.A.. 1503); became an Augustinian monk, 1505; ordained priest, 1507; appointed Professor at the University of Wittenberg, 1508, and in 1512 D.D.; published his 95 Theses, 1517; and burnt the Papal Bull which had condemned them, 1520; attended the Diet of Worms, 1521; translated the Bible into German, 1521-34; and died at Eisleben, Feb. 18, 1546. The details of his life and of his work as a reformer are accessible to English readers in a great variety of forms. Luther had a huge influence on German hymnody. i. Hymn Books. 1. Ellich cristlich lider Lobgesang un Psalm. Wittenberg, 1524. [Hamburg Library.] This contains 8 German h… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: A mighty fortress is our God, Strong Shield and sturdy Weapon
Title: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
German Title: Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott
Translator: F. Samuel Janzow
Author: Martin Luther
Language: English
Copyright: From CHURCH MUSIC, © 1970 by Concordia Publishing House.

Tune

EIN FESTE BURG

The original rhythms of EIN FESTE BURG (see 469) had already reached their familiar isorhythmic (all equal rhythms) shape by the time of Johann S. Bach (PHH 7) in the eighteenth century. The harmonization is taken from his Cantata 80. Many organ and choral works are based on this chorale, including…

Go to tune page >


Timeline

Instances

Instances (1 - 2 of 2)

Ecumenical Praise #25

The Hymnal of the United Church of Christ #264

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us