The story behind the hymn
Martin Luther wrote “Ein feste Burg” in the early years of the Reformation, when he and his followers lived under real threat. It is often called the battle hymn of the Reformation, yet its subject is not the strength of its singers. It is the strength of God.
Luther also composed the tune, LUTHER, published in 1529. The English words most often sung come from the translation by Frederick Henry Hedge in 1853, which is in the public domain along with the tune.
The hymn is widely understood to rest on Psalm 46. Its confidence is not that evil is small but that God is greater.
The Scripture behind it
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 (World English Bible)
Read the whole of Psalm 46 alongside the hymn.
A short reflection
Notice what the hymn does not promise: it does not say trouble will stay away. It says God is a fortress while it rages. That is a different kind of comfort, and one that lasts.
God, be my refuge today. Where I feel afraid, teach me to rest in you. Amen.
The full words
Read the full words of this hymn, with tunes and scores, on Hymnary.org.
Read the full hymn text →Source for author, dates and public-domain status: Hymnary.org. Scripture quoted from the World English Bible (public domain).