In the bonds of Death He lay

Representative Text

In the bonds of Death He lay,
Who for our offense was slain,
But the Lord is risen today,
Christ hath brought us life again.
Wherefore let us all rejoice,
Singing loud with a cheerful voice
Hallelujah!

Of the sons of men was none
Who could break the bonds of Death,
Sin this mischief dire had done,
Innocent was none on earth;
Wherefore Death grew strong and bold,
Death would all men captive hold.
Hallelujah!

Jesus Christ, God's only Son,
Came at last our foe to smite,
All our sins away hath done,
Done away Death's power and right,
Only the form of Death is left,
Of his sting he is bereft;
Hallelujah.

'Twas a wondrous war, I trow,
When Life and Death together fought;
But life hath triumphed o'er his foe,
Death is mocked and set at nought;
Yea, 'tis as the Scripture saith,
Christ through death has conquered Death.
Hallelujah.

Now our Paschal Lamb is He,
And by Him alone we live,
Who to death upon the tree,
For our sake Himself did give.
Faith His blood strikes on our door,
Death dares never harm us more.
Hallelujah.

On this day most blest of days,
Let us keep high festival,
For our God hath showed His grace,
And our Sun hath risen on us all,
And our hearts rejoice to see
Sin and night before Him flee.
Hallelujah.

To the supper of the Lord,
Gladly we will come today,
The word of peace is now restored,
The old leaven is put away;
Christ will be our food alone,
Faith no life but His doth own.
Hallelujah.

Source: Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year #37

Translator: Catherine Winkworth

Catherine Winkworth (b. Holborn, London, England, 1827; d. Monnetier, Savoy, France, 1878) is well known for her English translations of German hymns; her translations were polished and yet remained close to the original. Educated initially by her mother, she lived with relatives in Dresden, Germany, in 1845, where she acquired her knowledge of German and interest in German hymnody. After residing near Manchester until 1862, she moved to Clifton, near Bristol. A pioneer in promoting women's rights, Winkworth put much of her energy into the encouragement of higher education for women. She translated a large number of German hymn texts from hymnals owned by a friend, Baron Bunsen. Though often altered, these translations continue to be used i… 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: In the bonds of Death He lay
German Title: Christ lag in Todesbanden
Author: Martin Luther
Translator: Catherine Winkworth
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

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The Cyber Hymnal #2730
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The Cyber Hymnal #2730

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