687: A mighty fortress is our God


1 A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing:
for still our ancient foe
doth seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and, armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

2 Did we in our strength confide,
our striving would be losing;
were not the right man on our side,
the man of God's own choosing:
dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabbaoth, his Name,
from age to age the same,
and he must win the battle.

3 And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed
his truth to triumph through us;
the prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure,
one little word shall fell him.

4 That word above all earthly powers,
no thanks to them, abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth:
let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill:
God's truth abideth still,
his kingdom is forever.

Text information
First Line:A mighty fortress is our God
Author:Martin Luther, 1483-1546
Translator:Frederic Henry Hedge, 1805-1890
Publication Date:1982
Meter:87. 87. 66. 66. 7
Scripture:Psalm 46
Topic:The Christian Life
Language:English
Tune information
Tune name:EIN FESTE BURG
Composer:Martin Luther, 1483-1546
Harmonizer:Hans Leo Hassler, 1564-1612 (alt.)
Meter:87. 87. 66. 66. 7
Key:C Major

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