A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
By Martin Luther
Lyrics
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.
our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God's own choosing.
You 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.
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has 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.
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!
Bible Reference
Psalm 46:1
About This Hymn
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God is one of the most powerful and enduring hymns of the Christian faith. Written by Martin Luther, the father of the Protestant Reformation, this hymn is often called the “Battle Hymn of the Reformation.” It was composed during a time of intense personal and political conflict. Luther faced threats from both the Roman Catholic Church and the Holy Roman Empire for his theological stance that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone.
The hymn is based primarily on Psalm 46 (KJV):
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble... The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” (Psalm 46:1,7)
Luther likely wrote the hymn between 1527 and 1529, a period marked by the Black Plague, the death of his daughter Elisabeth, and increasing danger to his life. In the face of fear and persecution, Luther expressed unshakable confidence in God’s sovereign protection and triumph over evil.
📬 Subscribe to Our Devotional Updates
Receive weekly hymns, devotionals, and website features directly in your inbox.
Hymn Information
- Category: Hymn
- Author/Writer: Martin Luther (1529)
- Added: May 16, 2025
- Last Updated: June 28, 2025
- Views: 918
MIDI File
More Hymns by Martin Luther
Recent Blog Posts
-
How to Read Hymn Meter (Common, C.M.)
Sep 30, 2025 -
What Is a Hymn? Definition and Origins
Sep 30, 2025 -
Top 10 Thanksgiving Hymns
Sep 29, 2025 -
Synoptic Gospels Hymns: Top Examples
Sep 29, 2025 -
Sunday School Hymn Ideas for Children
Sep 29, 2025
Visit Us on Social Media
Latest from X (Twitter)
Tweets by HymnalLibraryLatest from Facebook
Latest on YouTube
Daily Bible Verse
Disclaimer
The hymns, sheet music, MIDI files, and related content on this website are provided for educational and research purposes only.
- Public Domain: Many of the hymns featured here are in the public domain and may be freely used.
- Copyrighted Works: Some hymns may still be under copyright protection. Where applicable, permission has either been requested from the copyright owner, or the content is shared under the principles of fair use for educational purposes.
⚠️ Important Notice: If you wish to reproduce, distribute, or use any copyrighted hymn beyond personal study or educational use, you must obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. This website does not grant any rights for commercial use yet.
If there is any other question please address it to us in our Contact Page, for further assistance. Thank you for using the site. May God Bless You.