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Preach You the Word

Preach you the Word and plant it well

Preach You the Word is a hymn text by Martin H. Behm (1978) in L.M. meter. Found in CW21 895, CW93 544, elw 658, lsb 586. Sung to DUNEDIN.

The hymn emphasizes the power of God's Word in preaching and its effects in various types of listeners, reflecting Lutheran commitment to sola scriptura and the centrality of Scripture in faith. It connects the parable's agricultural imagery to the church's call to faithful proclamation and the Holy Spirit's work through the Word.

History & Background

Written by Martin H. Behm in 1978, this contemporary hymn was first published in Lutheran Book of Worship (1978). The text directly expounds the Parable of the Sower from Luke 8, making theological application to the church's preaching mission.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Christian Worship: Hymnal — 895
  • Christian Worship — 544
  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 658
  • Lutheran Service Book — 586
  • Lutheran Worship — 259

Bulletin Note

Written in 1978 by Martin H. Behm, this hymn draws on the Parable of the Sower to celebrate the Lutheran conviction that Scripture, faithfully preached, accomplishes God's redemptive purpose despite human resistance or indifference.

Preaching Connection

This hymn embodies the Law's honest assessment of varied human responses to God's Word while celebrating the Gospel's promise that faithful proclamation always bears fruit in God's time and purpose.

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law-Gospel dialectic: fear and shame (stanzas 1-2) yield to Christ's transformative love (stanza 3), resulting in joyful obedience (stanza 4)

Background Research

AI-assisted draft This background note was researched with AI from published hymnal sources and has not yet been checked line by line. Please verify details such as dates before relying on them.

LSB 586 (Hymn of the Day for St. Andrew, Nov 30, and St. Titus, Jan 26). Martin H. Franzmann (1907–1976), while a visiting professor at Concordia Theological Seminary, then in Springfield, Illinois, was asked for a hymn for its 125th anniversary; he had already written 'Thy Strong Word' (LSB 578) for the St. Louis seminary. He built it on the seminary motto (2 Tim 4:2, 'Preach the word') and the parable of the sower (Luke 8:4–15): plain words on the urgency of preaching, impatience for results (st. 2), God's 'reckless' sowing everywhere (st. 3), and wonder that any seed grows at all (sts. 4–5). DATA NOTE: Hymn Desk groups this text with TLH 43 ('We Sing the Almighty Power of God') under hymn_id 74 because they share a tune; they are different hymns.

Sources: LCMS Worship, The Word in Song: Hymn of the Day Studies (Larry A. Peters).

In the Church Year

Hymn of the Day (Lutheran Service Book) for: St. Titus; St. Andrew

Suggested in the one-year series

  • St. Titus (1×)
  • Sexagesima (3×)
  • St. Matthew (1×)
  • St. Timothy (1×)
  • Trinity 5 (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Proper 6 (2×)
  • Lent 2 (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

Word of God Gospel proclamation The Sower's parable Stewardship of the Gospel Faith and discipleship

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