Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church ‎#195

195. A mighty Fortress is our God

1 A mighty Fortress is our God,
A trusty Shield and Weapon;
He helps us free from every need
That hath us now o'ertaken.
The old bitter foe
Means us deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might
Are his dread arms in fight:
On earth is not his equal.

2 With might of ours can naught be done,
Soon were our loss effected;
But for us fights the Valiant One
Whom God Himself elected.
Ask ye, Who is this?
Jesus Christ it is,
Of Sabaoth Lord,
And there's none other God;
He holds the field for eve.

3 Though devils all the world should fill,
All watching to devour us,
We tremble not, we fear no ill,
They cannot overpower us.
This world's prince may still
Scowl fierce as he will;
He can harm us none;
He's judge, the deed is done,
One little word o'erthrows him.

4 The Word they still shall let remain,
Nor any thanks have for it;
He's by our side upon the plain
With His good gifts and Spirit,
Take they then our life,
Goods, fame, child, and wife,
When their worst is done,
They yet have nothing won:
The Kingdom ours remaineth.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: A mighty Fortress is our God
• Author: Martin Luther (1529)
• Meter: 8 7, 8 7, 5 5 5 6, 7
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Source: Tr. Composite, 1866

Tune Information

• Name: EIN' FESTE BURG
• Composer: Martin Luther (1529)
• Meter: 8 7, 8 7, 5 5 5 6, 7
• Key: D Major