From Depths of Woe I Raise to Thee

Short Name: Martin Luther
Full Name: Luther, Martin
Birth Year: 1483
Death Year: 1546

Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483, in Eisleben, Germany. He studied at the University of Erfurt (B.A. 1502, M.A. 1503) and entered the Augustinian monastery in 1505. Ordained a priest in 1507, he became a professor at the University of Wittenberg in 1508 and received his Doctor of Divinity in 1512. Luther is famously known for publishing the 95 Theses in 1517 and challenging the Catholic Church’s teachings. He burned the Papal Bull condemning him in 1520, attended the Diet of Worms in 1521, and translated the Bible into German (1521–1534). He died in Eisleben on February 18, 1546. Luther’s work as a reformer profoundly influenced German hymnody and the broader Protestant tradition.

Contributions to Hymnody

Luther was not only a reformer but also a prolific hymn writer. His hymns were designed to be sung by the congregation, making theology accessible through music. Some of his key hymn collections include:

1. Ellich cristlich lider Lobgesang un Psalm (Wittenberg, 1524) – 8 German hymns, 4 by Luther

2. Eyn Enchiridion oder Handbuchlein (Erfurt, 1524) – 25 German hymns, 18 by Luther

3. Geystliche Gesangk Buchleyn (Wittenberg, 1524) – 32 German hymns, 24 by Luther

4. Geistliche Lieder auffs new gebessert (Wittenberg, 1529) – ~50 German hymns, 29 by Luther

5. Geistliche Lieder (Wittenberg, 1535) – 52 German hymns, 29 by Luther

6. Geistliche Lieder auffs new gebessert (Leipzig, 1539) – 68 German hymns, 29 by Luther

7. Geistliche Lieder (Wittenberg, 1543) – 61 German hymns, 35 by Luther

8. Geystliche Lieder (Leipzig, 1545) – Final revisions, 35 by Luther

Types of Hymns

Luther’s hymns can be classified as:

• Translations from Latin Hymns and Antiphons: e.g., Christum wir sollen loben schon, Komm, Gott Schöpfer, heiliger Geist

• Revised Pre-Reformation Popular Hymns: e.g., Gelobet seist du, Jesus Christ

• Psalm Versions: e.g., Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir

• Paraphrases of Scripture: e.g., Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin, Diess sind die heilgen zehn Gebot

• Original Hymns: e.g., Christ lag in Todesbanden, Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her, Ein neues Lied wir heben an

Luther wrote prefaces for several collections, explaining the purpose of congregational singing and the theological content. His hymns remain a cornerstone of Protestant worship, blending doctrine, devotion, and music.

References:

• Hymnary.org: Martin Luther

• Wikipedia: Martin Luther

• John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, 1907