"A Mighty Fortress is Our God"

               by Dr. Martin Luther, 1483-1546

                   Composite Translation from

  the Pennsylvania Lutheran CHURCH BOOK of 1868

                                Text From:

                     THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL

      (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1941)







        1. A mighty Fortress is our God,

        A trusty Shield and Weapon;

        He helps us free from every need

        That hath us now o'ertaken.

        The old evil Foe

        Now means deadly woe;

        Deep guile and great might

        Are his dread arms in fight;

        On Earth is not his equal.



        2. With might of ours can naught be done,

        Soon were our loss effected;

        But for us fights the Valiant One,

        Whom God Himself elected.

        Ask ye, Who is this?

        Jesus Christ it is.

        Of Sabaoth Lord,

        And there's none other God;

        He holds the field forever.



        3. Though devils all the world should fill,

        All eager to devour us.

        We tremble not, we fear no ill,

        They shall not overpower us.

        This world's prince may still

        Scowl fierce as he will,

        He can harm us none,

        He's judged; the deed is done;

        One little word can fell him.



        4. The Word they still shall let remain

        Nor any thanks have for it;

        He's by our side upon the plain

        With His good gifts and Spirit.

        And take they our life,

        Goods, fame, child and wife,

        Let these all be gone,

        They yet have nothing won;

        The Kingdom our remaineth.



        


        Notes:

        Hymn #262 from _The Lutheran Hymnal_

        Text: Psalm 46

        Author: Martin Luther, 1529

        Translated by: composite

        Titled: "Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott"

        Composer: Martin Luther, 1529

        Tune: "Ein' feste Burg"

        1st Published in: Klug's _Gesangbuch_

        Town: Wittenberg, 1529