God is our stronghold, firm and sure

God is our stronghold, firm and sure

Author: Martin Luther (1529); Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1855)
Published in 2 hymnals

Representative Text

God is our stronghold firm and sure,
Our trusty shield and weapon,
He shall deliver us, whate'er
Of ill to us may happen.
Our ancient Enemy
In earnest now is he,
Much craft and great might
Arm him for the fight,
On earth is not his fellow.

Our might is nought but weakness, soon
Should we the battle lose,
But for us fights the rightful Man,
Whom God Himself doth choose.
Asketh thou His name?
'Tis Jesus Christ, the same
Whom Lord of Hosts we call,
God only over all;
None from the field can drive Him.

What though the world were full of fiends,
That would us sheer devour!
We know we yet shall win the day,
We fear not all their power.
The Prince of this world still,
May struggle as he will,
He nothing can prevail,
A word shall make him quale,
For he is judged of heaven.

The word of God they cannot touch,
Yet have no thanks therefore,
God by His Spirit and His gifts,
Is with us in the war.
Then let them take our life,
Goods, honour, children, wife,
Though nought of these we save,
Small profit shall they have,
The kingdom ours abideth.

Source: Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year #105

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 >

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 >

Text Information

First Line: God is our stronghold, firm and sure
German Title: Ein feste Burg
Author: Martin Luther (1529)
Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1855)
Language: English
Publication Date: 1855
Copyright: Public Domain

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Lyra Germanica #173

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Lyra Germanica #105

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