Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
465Resource Type:
Keys included:
C
About this Hymn
Although this hymn is commonly known as the "Battle Hymn of the Reformation," Martin Luther called it "Ein Trost Psalm," meaning "a psalm of comfort." He once wrote, "We sing this psalm to praise God for being with us. He miraculously preserves his Word and Christendom against the gates of hell." The hymn had an extraordinary impact on sixteenth-century Germany as it spread the gospel throughout Europe, and it vindicates Luther's trailblazing convictions in both the power of great music and the singing of the Bible in the common tongue.
Lyrics
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 pow'r 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 tho' 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 pow'rs, 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!
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 pow'r 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 tho' 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 pow'rs, 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!
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words: Martin Luther, 1529; tr. Frederick Hedge, 1853
Music: Martin Luther, 1529; harm. The Evangelical Hymnal, 1880, alt.
Music: Martin Luther, 1529; harm. The Evangelical Hymnal, 1880, alt.