A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Words and music by Martin Luther · tr. Frederick Hedge · 1852

Key of C · 92 BPM · 4/4 · Trust,Assurance · Psalm 46:1

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 power 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 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.

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.

Public domain in the United States (best-effort). Free for every use, including commercial — no license needed. Other countries may differ.