Thanks to Thee, O Christ, Victorious
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, Victorious is a hymn text by Martin Behm (1610) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by composite English translation. Found in lsb 548, lw 277, tlh 207.
This hymn celebrates Christ's paschal victory and the Christian's assurance of resurrection through faith, central to Lutheran Easter theology. It expresses the joyful response of believers to Christ's triumph over death, reflecting the Gospel's power to transform fear into thanksgiving.
History & Background
Written by German pastor Martin Behm in the early 17th century, this chorale originally appeared in German as 'Dank dir, Herr Christ, du Siegesherr.' The English translation was developed during the 19th century and appears in various Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 548
- Lutheran Worship — 277
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 207
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Martin Behm during the early German Baroque, this hymn distills the passion and clarity of Lutheran Easter theology: Christ's paschal victory is not merely an article of faith but a present reality that claims and transforms the believer.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the full arc of Lutheran Gospel proclamation: Christ's objective victory transforms the believer's subjective hope, moving fear of death into confident, joyful assurance of resurrection.
In the Church Year
Suggested in the one-year series
- Easter 6 (2×)
- Trinity 13 (2×)
- Trinity 16 (2×)
- Trinity 24 (2×)
- Baptism of Our Lord (1×)
- Easter 3 (1×)
- Easter 4 (1×)
- Easter Day (1×)
- Quinquagesima (1×)
Suggested in the three-year series
- Easter 6 (1×)
- Proper 8 (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
Christ's victory over sin and death Thanksgiving and praise Resurrection hope Triumph of faith