Thee Will I Love, My Strength, My Tower
Thee will I love, my strength, my tower
This hymn exemplifies Lutheran emphasis on faith expressing itself through love as the proper Christian response to God's grace. It connects personal devotion to God's protective strength, reflecting the comfort found in the promise of Christ's indwelling presence (John 14:23).
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this hymn in early 17th-century Germany as an expression of steadfast love toward God. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in 1858, making it widely available to English-speaking Lutheran congregations.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 714
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 502
- Lutheran Service Book — 694
- Lutheran Worship — 375
- Trinity Hymnal — 673
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 399
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Martin Behm in 1610, this German Reformation hymn exemplifies Lutheran theology: faith trusting God's grace naturally expresses itself through love. The tower image echoes Psalm 61 and medieval fortress imagery of divine protection.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Lutheran principle that Gospel security (God's strength as our tower) awakens the Christian's grateful love as the fruit of faith, making it a powerful response to proclamation of unconditional grace.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's compassionate presence amid human suffering and social chaos, calling the Church to incarnational witness and mercy
Themes
Love of God Faithful devotion God's strength and protection Trust in divine providence