Hymn Desk
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O God Our Lord Thy Holy Word

O God our Lord, thy holy Word

O God Our Lord Thy Holy Word is a hymn text by Martin Luther (1524) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by Frederick H. Hedge. Found in CW21 643, CW93 204, ELH 549, elw 521. Sung to EIN FESTE BURG.

The hymn expresses the Lutheran conviction that God's Word is the living, active power through which God accomplishes salvation and transformation. It reflects the Reformation principle of *sola scriptura* while celebrating the Gospel's triumph over sin and death.

History & Background

Martin Luther composed this hymn in 1524 as a processional hymn celebrating God's Word during the early Reformation. It was first published in the Erfurt Enchiridion and became a cornerstone of Lutheran hymnody.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Christian Worship: Hymnal — 643
  • Christian Worship — 204
  • Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 549
  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 521
  • Lutheran Book of Worship — 239
  • Lutheran Service Book — 577
  • Lutheran Worship — 341
  • The Lutheran Hymnal — 266

Translation

Frederick H. Hedge

Bach Cantatas

  • BWV 80: A mighty fortress is our God (1724)

Bulletin Note

Written by Martin Luther in 1524, this hymn enshrines the Reformation's core conviction: *sola scriptura*—Scripture alone is the authoritative Word through which God's Spirit moves, judges, and saves His people eternally.

Preaching Connection

This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel movement: human helplessness before God's demanding Word yields to the triumph of the Gospel that dwells within that same Word, offering comfort rather than condemnation.

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law → Gospel → Assurance → Victory. Establishes human vulnerability and demonic opposition, then proclaims Christ as sole defense, strengthens faith against worldly threats, and concludes with eternal triumph of God's truth over all earthly powers.

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Nativity of St. John the Baptist (1×)

From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.

Themes

God's Word as power and protection Reformation faith Gospel proclamation Divine truth

Look Further