A Mighty Fortress is our God lyrics
Tune Name: EIN’ FESTE BURG
Composer: Martin Luther
Meter: Irregular
Hymnbook Source: Lutheran hymnals
Based on Psalm 46
Verse 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.
- Verse 2
- Did we in our own 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 Sabaoth, His Name,
- From age to age the same,
- And He must win the battle.
- Verse 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.
- Verse 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.
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis On This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Martin Luther, German Reformer & Hymn Writer, 1483–1546 | Luther authored the hymn, emphasizing God’s protection and sovereignty amid spiritual battles. |
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian notes its widespread use in Protestant worship and its theological clarity. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley’s hymns on God’s power and refuge resonate with the hymn’s themes. |
| John Mason Neale, Hymn Translator, 1818–1866 | Neale highlights its enduring influence in hymnals and doctrinal teaching. |
| William Rees (Hyfrydol), Welsh Hymn Writer, 1803–1883 | Rees praises the hymn’s majestic melody and powerful congregational impact. |
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (Martin Luther)… Frederick Henry Hedge
"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" is a hymn with lyrics written by Martin Luther in 1529 and translated into English by Frederick Henry Hedge. The hymn celebrates the strength and protection that God provides to believers. It has been a popular hymn in many Christian traditions and has been recorded.
See if you can play the hymn below on our keyboard (It Plays!)
You can also enjoy great Christian hymns here.
