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 power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.
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 my be? Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth his Name, from age to age the same,
and he must win the battle.
3. And though 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.
4. That work above all earthly powers,
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.
Words: Martin Luther (1483-1546); tr. Frederic Henry Hedge (1805-1890); based on Psalm 46 Music: Ein feste Burg, Martin Luther (1483-1546)