Spread Oh Spread Thou Mighty Word
Spread, oh spread, thou mighty word
The hymn embodies Lutheran missionary theology rooted in the Great Commission, emphasizing the power of God's Word to accomplish His purposes. It reflects the 19th-century renewal of Lutheran mission consciousness and the conviction that the Gospel must be actively spread to all nations.
History & Background
Originally written in German as 'Verbreitet, mächtig Wort' by Jonathan Bahnmaier in 1829 for missionary purposes. Catherine Winkworth's English translation appeared in her 1863 collection, becoming the standard English version in Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 714
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 379
- Lutheran Service Book — 830
- Lutheran Worship — 321
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 507
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Jonathan Friedrich Bahnmaier in 1829, this hymn emerged from 19th-century Lutheran missionary renewal, expressing the conviction that God's Word—not human strategy—accomplishes salvation among all peoples.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Lutheran understanding that the Gospel's power lies not in human effort but in God's Word itself, which calls us to participate joyfully in the Great Commission as recipients and bearers of grace.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from the demand of belief and baptism, through Christ's redemptive work and Spirit-empowered perseverance, to doxological assurance of eternal inheritance
Themes
Missionary activity Gospel proclamation Great Commission Word of God Apostolic witness