All Praise to Thee Eternal God
All praise to thee, eternal God
This hymn embodies the Lutheran understanding of the incarnation as the supreme revelation of God's redemptive love, emphasizing how the eternal Word became flesh for human salvation. It reflects the catechetical and didactic function of Lutheran hymnody to teach doctrine while evoking devotion to Christ's person and work.
History & Background
Martin Luther wrote this German hymn 'Gott sei gelobet und gebenedeiet' in 1524 as a response to the Christmas mystery and the incarnation. The English translation derives from various sources compiled for Lutheran hymnals, with primary textual work done for LBW and subsequent LSB editions.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 831
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 48
- Lutheran Service Book — 382
- Lutheran Worship — 35
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 80
- With One Voice — 648
Translation
Bulletin Note
Martin Luther, 1524. This Reformation hymn teaches the incarnation through song, embodying Luther's conviction that congregational hymnody should make doctrine sing in the hearts of believers with clarity and joy.
Preaching Connection
Luther's hymn transforms the abstract doctrine of incarnation into lived devotion, showing how the Gospel's central claim—that God condescends to human flesh for our salvation—calls forth both grateful praise and renewed trust in grace alone.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Petitionary prayer moving from personal plea for God's faithfulness, to remembrance of grace and the Holy Spirit's sustenance, to affirmation of God as ultimate strength despite human weakness, concluding with urgent reiteration of the opening petition.
Themes
Incarnation Redemption Triune God Thanksgiving Divine mercy