I'm But a Stranger Here
I'm but a stranger here, heaven is my home
I'm But a Stranger Here is a hymn text by Thomas R. Taylor (1836) in C.M. meter. Found in lsb 748, lw 515, th 445, tlh 660. Sung to MARTYN.
This hymn expresses the Lutheran understanding that Christians are citizens of heaven while pilgrims on earth, reflecting the theology of the Two Kingdoms. It emphasizes eschatological hope and the proper Christian posture of detachment from worldly treasures in light of eternal reward.
History & Background
Written by Thomas R. Taylor, a British hymn writer, in the 1830s and published posthumously. The hymn became widely adopted in English-speaking Protestant traditions and gained particular popularity in Lutheran hymnals during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 748
- Lutheran Worship — 515
- Trinity Hymnal — 445
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 660
Bulletin Note
Written by Thomas R. Taylor in 1836, this classic hymn reflects Lutheran eschatological hope: Christians are strangers on earth, citizens of heaven, living by grace between promise and fulfillment.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Lutheran Two Kingdoms theology: the Law exposes our exile in a fallen world, while the Gospel proclaims our certain homecoming in Christ's kingdom, transforming our pilgrimage into confident witness.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Call to spiritual warfare → empowerment through Christ → equipment with God's promises → sustained struggle and victory
Overview
Thomas Rawson Taylor, a young English Congregational minister who died of illness at 28, wrote this pilgrim hymn, published after his death. Each line pair ends 'Heav'n is my home.' The singer is a stranger on earth among dangers (st. 1); the tempest rages but the pilgrimage is short (st. 2); heaven is at the Savior's side, with the blessed and those he loves (st. 3); so he will not complain, for he will stand at the Lord's right hand (st. 4). TLH ends its numbered hymns with it.
Central theme: The Christian as pilgrim and stranger on earth, whose true home is heaven at the Savior's side
Structure
Four eight-line stanzas (6.4.6.4.6.6.6.4) with the refrain 'Heav'n is my home.' Stranger (1) — storm and pilgrimage (2) — the Savior's side (3) — contentment (4).
Law & Gospel Shape
Realism about the fallen world ('desert drear,' 'danger and sorrow,' 1-2); Gospel: glorified at the Savior's side; standing at the Lord's right hand (3-4).
Confessional Connections
Christians as 'strangers and exiles' (1 Pet 2:11; Heb 11:13) — citizenship in heaven (Phil 3:20). 'Earth is a desert drear' must be balanced with the First Article: creation remains God's good gift, and we serve him in our vocations here (AC XVI). Glorification (Rom 8:30). 'At my Lord's right hand' — the sheep on the right at the Judgment (Matt 25:33-34), by grace.
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
Funerals; Last Sundays; times of trial; general.
Historical Notes
Taylor (1807-1835) was pastor at Bradford; the hymn appeared in his posthumous Memoir and Select Remains (1836).
About the Tune
HEAVEN IS MY HOME (Arthur S. Sullivan, 1872).
Scripture References
Heb 4:9 Heb 11:13-16 1 Pet 2:11 Ps 39:12 Ps 119:19 Phil 3:20 2 Cor 4:17 Ps 90:10 Jas 4:14 John 14:3 Rom 8:17, 30 Phil 2:14 Phil 4:11 Matt 25:33-34
Stanza by Stanza
I am only a stranger here; heaven is my home. Earth is a dreary desert; heaven is my home. Danger and sorrow surround me on every side; heaven is my fatherland, heaven is my home.
'Strangers and exiles on the earth… seeking a homeland' (Heb 11:13-14). Ps 39:12; 119:19: 'I am a sojourner on the earth.' 'Desert drear' — the wilderness journey of Israel as type of the Christian life (1 Cor 10:1-11). 'Fatherland' (Heb 11:16).
- Scripture
- Heb 11:13-16, Ps 39:12, Ps 119:19, 1 Pet 2:11, 1 Cor 10:1-11
- Imagery & language
- Stranger; desert; fatherland.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — a home prepared.
- Connection to previous
- Stranger.
What if the storm rages? Heaven is my home. My pilgrimage is short; heaven is my home. Time's wild winter wind will soon be past; I will reach home at last; heaven is my home.
'This light momentary affliction' (2 Cor 4:17). Life is short (Ps 90:10; Jas 4:14). 'Home at last' — the certainty rests on Christ's promise (John 14:3).
- Scripture
- 2 Cor 4:17, Ps 90:10, Jas 4:14, John 14:3
- Imagery & language
- Tempest; wintry blast.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — the storm ends.
- Connection to previous
- Short pilgrimage.
There at my Savior's side is my home; I will be glorified there. There are the good and blessed, those I love most; and there I too will rest; heaven is my home.
Heaven is first 'at my Savior's side' (Phil 1:23; John 14:3). 'I shall be glorified' (Rom 8:30). Reunion with believers (1 Thess 4:17). Rest (Heb 4:9, TLH's text).
- Scripture
- Phil 1:23, John 14:3, Rom 8:17, 30, Heb 4:9, 1 Thess 4:17
- Imagery & language
- Savior's side; glorified; rest.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — glory with Christ.
- Connection to previous
- At His side.
So I do not complain; heaven is my home. Whatever my lot on earth, heaven is my home; and I will surely stand at my Lord's right hand. Heaven is my fatherland, heaven is my home.
'Do all things without grumbling' (Phil 2:14). Contentment in every state (Phil 4:11). Standing at the Lord's right hand — the blessed at the Judgment (Matt 25:33-34), 'surely' because of his grace.
- Scripture
- Phil 2:14, Phil 4:11-12, Matt 25:33-34, Ps 16:11
- Imagery & language
- No murmuring; right hand.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — contentment and certainty.
- Connection to previous
- Contentment.
Themes
Pilgrimage Heaven Sojourning faith Eternal hope Detachment from worldly concerns