Be Still My Soul Lyrics
Tune Name: FINLANDIA
Composer: Jean Sibelius
Meter: 10.10.10.10
Hymnbook Source: English Hymnal (1906)
Verse 1
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Verse 2
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Verse 3
Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.
Verse 4
Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Be Still My Soul |
| Author / Lyricist | Katharina Amalia von Schlegel (1697–1768) |
| Composer / Tune | Jean Sibelius (1865–1957) – “Finlandia” |
| Date Written / Published | Early 18th century (lyrics); tune early 20th century |
| Historical Context | German hymn reflecting trust in God amid trials. |
| Theme / Message | Trusting God’s providence and maintaining inner peace. |
| Notable Features | Poetic meditation on faith; often set to dramatic musical arrangements. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Common in Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian hymnals; used in funeral and devotional services. |
| Source / Scholarship | A Survey of English Hymns – Kenneth W. Osbeck |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis on This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Katharina Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel, German Hymn Writer, 1697–1768 | Schlegel authored the hymn, emphasizing trust in God’s providence and inner peace. |
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian highlights its widespread adoption in English hymnals and its meditative qualities. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley’s hymns often emphasize serenity and trust in God, aligning with this hymn’s theme. |
| John Mason Neale, Hymn Translator, 1818–1866 | Neale praised the hymn’s devotional clarity and suitability for congregational reflection. |
| William Rees (Hyfrydol), Welsh Hymn Writer, 1803–1883 | Rees comments on the hymn’s lyrical elegance and its encouragement of spiritual calm. |
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