A Mighty Fortress

We introduced “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” as the August hymn part of our 2021 Hymn Project.

This hymn was written by Martin Luther in 1529 in Germany. As you read through the lyrics, there is no doubt that it’s from that time frame; so much so, that even the English translation of the song needs a translation to modern day English.

Martin Luther, the man who began the Protestant Reformation, once wrote,  “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. It controls our thoughts, minds, hearts, and spirits.”¹ Music is an important part of our worship of God. It’s important because the message of God is wrapped up in tune or melody and easily gets stuck in our head. So it’s even more important that what we’re singing is based on sound doctrine from the Word of God.

“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” is one of Luther’s most well-known hymns. Based on Psalm 46, this hymn celebrates God’s sovereign power over all earthly and spiritual forces.

Let’s read some of Psalm 46 and then take a closer look at some of the lyrics within this hymn.

¹ God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way…
¹⁰ “Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!”
¹¹ The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

-Psalm 46:1-2, 10-11

Let’s look through this hymn and highlight some uncommon words and interesting phrases. Understanding some of these words and concepts will help as we sing.

Lyrics	Meaning
A Mighty Fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.	A Bulwark is a defensive wall part of a fortress.
Our Helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.	God is our Helper amid all the flood of earthly circumstances and challenges we face.
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.	Satan, or the Devil, is our ancient enemy who works to bring danger and distress upon us. Satan’s cleverness and power are significant against our power as humans. He aims to steal, kill and destroy the work God is doing among His people. Verse one ends with a cliffhanger… who is strong enough to stand up against this force of evil?
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.	If we strive to fight against the devil in our own strength, we will lose, unless God sends the Right Man to be on our side.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus it is He. The Lord of Hosts His Name. From age to age the same, and He must win the battle.	Jesus is that man of God’s own choosing, to fight on our side and He leads an army of angels. He is the same Jesus yesterday, today, and forever. The same Jesus who conquered death and the same Jesus who will win the battle.
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.	Even though this world is filled with evils that seek to destroy us, we do not need to fear because God has already decided that His truth will win the war.
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.	We can endure the short-term attacks of Satan because he will eventually be defeated. One word from God can wipe Satan out and cast him into hell.
That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth.	God’s word is above all earthly powers, no thanks to the human powers that try to oppose God, His Word or His people.
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth.	Because we are on Jesus’ side of this war, we are blessed with the Holy Spirit and the gifts He gives us.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also.	Like we learned through the “Jesus Said What?!” series, we are called to have an eternal perspective on life, letting go of worldly ties.
The body they may kill, God’s truth abideth still.	Some believers may lose their life for following Jesus, but God’s truth will go on.
His Kingdom is forever.	God will reign forever.

I hope this breakdown helps us draw nearer to God as we worship Him with this Hymn. As we sing, we are celebrating the fact that we already know God will reign forever. There is no reason to fear or tremble at evil. There is every reason to lean on God, our Mighty Fortress.