The Man Is Ever Blest
The man is ever blest
The hymn reflects Lutheran confidence in the blessedness of those who meditate on God's Word and live according to it, emphasizing sanctification through Scripture. It expresses the Grundtvigian vision of vital Christian faith rooted in biblical knowledge and obedience.
History & Background
Grundtvig wrote this hymn based on Psalm 1 in 1837 as part of his prolific Danish hymnwriting output. The English translation by Gracia Grindal appeared in Lutheran hymnals in the late 20th century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 705
- Lutheran Worship — 388
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 414
Translation
Bulletin Note
Penned by Nikolai Grundtvig (1783–1872), Denmark's prophetic pastor-poet, this hymn embodies his vision of living, biblical faith. Grundtvig believed the Church's strength lay in vital engagement with Scripture, not institutional power alone.
Preaching Connection
This hymn develops the sanctifying power of God's Word as the concrete means by which the Gospel transforms daily life, deepening any sermon on Psalm 1 or the fruit of faith expressed through obedience.
Themes
Blessedness of the righteous Scripture meditation Discipleship Living by God's Word