A Mighty Fortress is Our God | story behind the hymn | hymn history | lyrics

Today we delve into the rich history and profound significance of Martin Luther's iconic hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God." Discover the fascinating origins of this powerful song, written by Luther himself during the tumultuous times of the Reformation. Learn how this hymn became a symbol of faith, resilience, and hope for countless believers over the centuries.
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Sources used for this video:
Price, Carl F. A Year of Hymn Stories; A Primer Of Hymnology. 1914. New York, Cincinnati, Methodist Book concern (archive.org/de...)
Emurian, Ernest K. Living Stories of Famous Hymns. 1955. Grand Rapids, MI : Baker Book House (archive.org/de...)
Adams, Lucy Neely. 52 Hymn Story Devotions. 2000. Nashville: Abdingdon
Kenneth W. Osbeck. 101 Hymn Stories. 1985. Kregal Publications: Grand Rapids
John Mclelland. The Ambassador Book of Great Hymn Stories. 1994. Ambassador Productions Ltd: Belfast
LYRICS:
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
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.
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.
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.
3 And though this world, with devils filled,
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.
4 That Word above all earthly powers
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!
#AMightyFortressIsOurGod #MartinLuther #HymnHistory #ChristianMusic #Reformation #Faith #Inspiration #TimelessHymns

[@user-ir6xz5be7r]

Thank you so much, Luke! This came up right when I was down, not healthy, and through God's guidance "lost" the job I no longer loved anyway. As a German who has three (!) first protestant pastors in her bloodline, back in the 1500s when Hesse introduced protestantism, and increadible parents living the faith I was very comforted when you made this Luther video. Now God will lead to the future he prepared me for. Ain't this also kind of the lyrics this hymn is about: nothing can hinder our Lord. Thank you for doing the work you do. May God continue to bless you, Antje from Germany.

[@sonyajohnson1897]

Hymns are very comforting because they are Bible-based and a testimony of the greatness of God. They remind us of God's love and His faithfulness. Yes, record the hymns.

[@newtonikire6408]

Hallelujah!

[@kerriecarley8836]

❤Thankyou Luke for your explanation of the words of this most wonderful hymn. I have sung it many times in my day . I love the majestic triumphant music. I did not know that Luther also wrote the music. I only know he wrote both words and music for “Away in a Manger” I shall be reading Psalm 46 immediately.

[@maureenmatlock6674]

I do believe that singing or at least listening to hymns really strengthens our faith and makes the Devil flee us. 🙏

[@christiancox3819]

Is anyone else old enough to be thinking "Davey and Goliath" when he hears. this hymn?

[@mampasalaurie293]

That was my exact thought! I couldn't remember the name of the show and had to google 1960's Christian cartoons. But I did remember that was the hymn it began with!

[@rayleenheritage382]

Yes watched the Christian cartoons and Davey claymation before church on Sundays.

[@louisebrislane6607]

I can't believe that you have never sung this song!!! It is a classic oldie, we sing it often in our mainline churches in Australia & you are so right, there is nothing like being in a large conference together & belting out this song!! I have this song written out & poked in the page of my bible at Psalm 46, so when I am reading this psalm I can sing the song. It is so powerful when you sing it!!

[@Favourandblessing-24]

These songs are annointed

[@TraceyRoesner]

This is an amazing song. I love the hymns. I grew up with the hymn and this one is from my early early early... relative. Did you know that Martin Luther also wrote "Away in the Manger" many people do not realize this.Thank you for these hymn studies. I am using them for my grandson's homeschool. He loves music. Keep up the good blessed work.

[@lolamorales2441]

My favorite since I was a child Martin Luther was my heroe😊

[@fellfields2143]

I believe the "word" mentioned in the song is Jesus, the word of God. The verses flow from each other and connect together. "One little word will fell him" is followed by "that word above all earthly powers" It is clearly speaking about the exact same word. The word again being Jesus, who as you clearly pointed out it, is the word made flesh. Other than that great explanation.

[@Alexander-me7xh]

This is one of my all-time favorite hymns. Always brings a tear to my eye. I first heard this when played as the theme song to the animated series Davy and Goliath put out by the Lutheran Church back in the 60s. We also had this played at my dad's funeral, thank you for bringing this to the Internet. CD/MP3, absolutely!!!

[@jaelanderson6263]

Yes I'd love these hymns

[@markfiedler9415]

Beautiful!! Thank you so much

[@beepbopboop3221]

If you ever travel to america, Virginia specifically - the stalagtite organ at Luray Caverns plays this hymn. It is very beautiful to hear creation literally declaring God's glory and proclaiming His handiwork.

[@wannaduckfin]

Few of the modern pablum Christian songs can hold a candle to the majesty and power of A Mighty Fortress

[@Kathy54767]

This was my husband’s favorite hymn. It is so powerful and the words are amazing. I’m a reformed Presbyterian and we sing it frequently. I know a lot of it by heart. In this season of widowhood, hymns refocus me and lift my countenance! Thank you for singing it today.

[@Nepenthe-dx9ws]

Thank you, Luke. I only knew this hymn as a poem. I didn't know the tune but I really enjoyed listening to you singing it. So very beautiful to hear those powerful lyrics placed into music. I read a saying, which you probably know. It says: 'when satan reminds me of my past, I remind him of his future.' It seems to help me cope with his attacks. I think, though, I will take up your suggestion and use Christian hymns as well.

[@debcarroll8192]

I love this hymn so much! I first heard it on the Davey and Goliath TV series as a small child. There is nothing quite like this song for rousing your soul and giving you courage.

[@aprilvannewkirk8761]

Davey and Goliath was a wonderful show.

[@lindagoedhals5688]

Pastor Luke, it would be great to have the hymns on a playlist, even on this channel , so that one could put it on to listen and sing along. Thank you for this channel. May God bless you abundantly.

[@user-vm4ed6zz5p]

I sang this with you at the end of my Day. What a comfort of Peace to abide me to sleep. May God Bless you.

[@brynmiller4232]

If we face a battle (health,finance, or? )against the devil no worry , as we have power through God /Holy Spirit /Jesus within us. Nothing ,not even death ,can keep us from heaven and eternal life as we have Victory in/through Christ within US.

[@rosmariestampfli7171]

Living in Switzerland and Germany this is a well known song: Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott….

[@aliciaglauser2184]

I sang this song on the beach facing St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall, remembering His faithfulness and goodness to me. I love the truth of it!

[@olivierfonte2999]

Yes, we sang this hymn before... also in the 60's.....and on and off at church.... God is our Fortress!!! He is Great!!

[@glenturrell4485]

A truly magnificent hymn. Thank you Luke! "GLAD" did a wonderful acapella (sp?) arrangement of it which is well worth a listen.

[@KarenHatfield-m4o]

Love this song. Interesting -- I was raised catholic and we samg this song in church so often that i remembered the first stanza

[@carolyndrawdy5687]

🙏🤗AMEN! Praise The Lord🙏

[@edithdotson7603]

Many younger Church attendees have not even heard of the Protestant Reformation, much less of Martin Luther featured in it as most prominent leader.. He wrote this song as a battle cry of the Protestant Reformatiom. It is so fitting and inspirational. I particularly like the stanza that contains these sentiments: That Word ABOVE all earthly powers 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. Read the beautifully written account of the Beginner of the Protestant Reformation and its progress in the book The Great Controversy by E.G.White. Read about other Reformers too, and Prophecy down to the end? You will truly be inspired and blessed.This book is available by search online. You can hear it being read to you and also read along with them. You can listen when doing activities which do not require undivided attention.

[@petermmofoke6873]

Pst. Luke, this is a fine classic of the Baptist Church, and I will assume across many Protestant Churches. Speaking of Martin Luther... Indeed, he is a giant of the Protestant Faith.. rediscovering many Biblical Truths and Protestant Teaching, (=about the justification of man thru. God’s Grace and NOT by works, pennants or confession to Priests/Bishops/or whatever title they may be called by man). He helped us, “common men” to access the Bible, and speak to God directly and NOT through Priest/Bishops... And finally, I think the 'album idea' would be a great way to reach even more people...! Thank you.

[@rebeccamcconnell7830]

The most powerful performances of this I've ever heard are from Steve Green. He used to sing it acapella. Amazing and encouraging!

[@susanw.7036]

After 9/11 our church had a special community service and "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" was the first and last hymn we sang. It was very moving.

[@linlivingston744]

I grew up with hymns like you play. Thank you for researching the background on all these songs And I love your accent.

[@BAMesquire]

Your message of song today Pastor Luke lifts my heart! In our Remembrance Services , November 11, I am reminded that in the heat of great battles that "The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:7 🇨🇦 🙏

[@BAMesquire]

Yes, put your hymns on Spotify! With thanks.

[@nneragland8649]

Hallelujah 🙌 Glory to our Great God who is on our side 🙏 A bulwark, impenetrable wall of safety, never failing.. 🙏🙏 Our helper, always present in our times of trouble 🙏 Glory 🙏 Glory 🙏 Glory forever and ever more 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@smileyface3844]

This song gives me great hope! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.

[@hilogearhart3759]

Thank you, Luke, for sharing the stories behind these classic hymns which are so rich in Bible doctrines.

[@smoothsailingmp]

All the hymns (sung since childhood mostly) make me weep, because they all say what my heart wants to say in praise of Him....(😊 Then there's a gap with new songs ) since the 1980's....so then can't remember most of the words of the old hymns....so thank you again for doing these

[@user-ir6xz5be7r]

Same here with the old hymns! Can't really sing along, start crying happy tears. So yes, there's a lyric gap 😀

[@conniewright1113]

This song is just what I needed. I feel like Satan has whirl winded me these last few months.I need to be surrounded by His fortress. Thank you for the hymns.

[@newtonikire6408]

The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting Arms. It is well with you

[@Subarna-pr9dh]

I like the narration of history of each song ,you perform.We would not have known it if you had not said us so

[@JonZenor]

Yes please! I need more hymn music in my Spotify

[@chocojavachip]

We’ve sung this a lot in our Baptist Church. It’s a mighty song that gives me a sense of God’s power when I hear it / sing it! I hope you start to love it too!

[@_HappierThanEver_]

Beautiful

[@jaelanderson6263]

I had this song come to mind but wanted know the meaning thank you! Love this❤

[@mikenixon2401]

Thank you Luke. I think your album idea is fine. We need more genuine songs of faith in the open market. You never sang "A Mighty Fortress"?!? Man I cannot remember not singing this hymn in the one time real Methodist church -- not the sad thing it has become. It gets my blood pumping and soul surging.

[@gladys763]

I sang this song as a child. I love this song. It's been awhile since I have heard it. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@jaelanderson6263]

I would love thos music on spotify so blessed by all you do😊

[@jaelanderson6263]

I dont have apple but would live to have on spotify all songs thank you 💜

[@ob1smom]

I’d love these classic hymns on Spotify or even CD.

[@annettecarstens274]

We used to sing this hymn in our services back in the 70's & 80's. Now we have come back to singing many of these old hymns again. Many people do not want to live as Protestants, but that is Biblical. His quote re music is medically proven.

[@jaydeversano8638]

Good idea. People will be blessed.

[@juliahuff6035]

Was in our Baptist hymnal and sang growing up in church. Love the lyrics and music!! Verse three is my favorite because possessions mean nothing!

[@joanmyers5148]

Thank you ,yes we sing this hymn quite often in our church. But I never knew the history of until now Thank you👍

[@Truthsetsusfree446]

Yes please do put it on with the hymns

[@KellyMillerArtist]

Amen 🙏

[@jkamritt8875]

I grew up singing that song in church

[@milesdavisahead]

This hymn is popular among wind ensemble musicians. Many variations of this hymn

[@BansemerRoinu-i6f]

A hymm of the centuries.

[@pastorurisnowpeak5407]

Yes! Apple Music would be great! Thank you!

[@LukePowellMinistries]

Here it is: music.apple.com/us/album/classic-hymns-vol-1/1753570967

[@pastorurisnowpeak5407]

@@LukePowellMinistries Added to my library. Thank you!

[@joannephilpot4000]

❤this hymn! Listening to different versions of this hymn encouraged and sustained me while sick with Covid. In church, our director had an all men’s choir sing it, powerful! ❤Matthew Ward’s version of it😊

[@JohnCavicchio]

Your hymn stories are great. I created an arrangement of "A Mighty Fortress" that you might like. I'm a pipe organist and perhaps we could collaborate on some hymns.

[@beverleyphillips1401]

Know it well. Would appreciate you recording hymns. Would be a real blessing. I grew up singing this In the Anglican Church as a young person. But I was 36 when these hymns really hit my heart, and Jesus became my life!

[@dianamccay7276]

Good morning, Pastor Luke… I love this wonderful hymn and have sung it from childhood. I am so blessed to be a member of a church that sings all the beautiful, old, godly hymns of the church (we also sing acapella). I have sung all the old hymns you have given the history of and have enjoyed your videos so very much!! I dearly LOVE these old hymns and your historical research! Here’s the name of one of my very favorite hymns that we sing at our church - “O Tell Me No More” by John Gambold 1711-1771. I hope you like it too! Thank you for all you do! Grace and peace!

[@frankcessna7345]

That would be great to have

[@sherynwsn6271]

Amen ! 🙏

[@irondiver2034]

If you put on Apple I will buy. Always looking for well done versions of my favorite hymns.

[@LukePowellMinistries]

Here it is: music.apple.com/us/album/classic-hymns-vol-1/1753570967

[@irondiver2034]

@@LukePowellMinistries thank you my brother, just purchased it. Be blessed, I know I will.

[@Fr.MartinLuther]

Your welcome

[@whatsinaname3561]

I was thinking of that one little word. Possibly not the word faith but rather "Jesus". That would create continuation between verse 3 and 4

[@sunkissedprincess]

Spotify is good too.

[@mikepruett1745]

go find Steve Greens version in acapella

[@tipofthemitt1092]

Yes please Apple music

[@LukePowellMinistries]

I already have some muisic there, if you want to have a look: music.apple.com/us/artist/luke-powell/1157434170 and music.apple.com/us/artist/luke-powell/1627562463.

[@LukePowellMinistries]

It's up: music.apple.com/us/album/classic-hymns-vol-1/1753570967

[@emmanuelmutebi6654]

It’s a good idea to put them on iTunes I will surely buy them. Are they already there