A sure stronghold our God is he
From Oremus Hymnal
A sure stronghold our God is he,
a trusty shield and weapon;
our help he'll be and set us free
from every ill can happen.
That old malicious foe
means us deadly woe;
armed with might from hell
and deepest craft as well,
on earth is not his fellow.
Through our own force we nothing can,
straight were we lost for ever;
but for us fights the proper man,
by God sent to deliver.
Ask ye who this may be?
Jesus Christ is He,
of Sabaoth Lord,
sole God to be adored--
'tis he must win the battle.
And were the world with devils filled,
all eager to devour us,
our souls to fear should little yield,
they cannot overpower us.
Their dreaded prince no more
harms us as of yore;
look grim as he may,
doomed is his ancient sway,
a word can overthrow him.
Still shall they leave that Word his might,
and yet no thanks shall merit;
still is he with us in the fight
by his good gifts and Spirit.
E'en should they take our life,
wealth, name, child, or wife--
though all these be gone,
yet nothing have they won,
God's kingdom ours abideth!
Contents |
Historical Notes
One of several translations of Ein feste Burg
Author
Martin Luther (1483-1546), 1529, trans. Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878), in Lyra Germanica, 1854
Meter
87 87 66 67Sound Files
Other Comments
Sources
Hymnal, Number, Tune(s)
| Hymnal | Number | Tunes Used |
|---|---|---|
| Lyra Germanica, 1854 | 72 | Ein feste Burg |
| The Chorale Book for England | 124 | Ein feste Burg |
| Church Hymnal (Church of Ireland), 1874 | 441 | Ein feste Burg |
| Church Hymnal (Ireland), 1919 | 332 | Ein feste Burg |
