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Thy Strong Word

Thy strong word did cleave the darkness

Thy Strong Word is a hymn text by Martin H. Franzmann (1954) in 8.7.8.7.8.8.7 meter. Found in CW21 630, CW93 280, ELH 72, elw 511.

The hymn celebrates the creative and redemptive power of God's Word, paralleling Genesis 1:3 with Christ's incarnation and the Gospel's transformative power. It reflects Lutheran emphasis on the efficacy of God's Word as a means of grace throughout salvation history.

History & Background

Written by Martin H. Franzmann in 1954 for a hymn text competition sponsored by the Hymn Society of America. First published in Lutheran worship books beginning with the 1956 Service Book and Hymnal.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Christian Worship: Hymnal — 630
  • Christian Worship — 280
  • Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 72
  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 511
  • Lutheran Book of Worship — 233
  • Lutheran Service Book — 578
  • Lift Up Your Hearts — 282
  • Lutheran Worship — 328

Bulletin Note

Composed by Lutheran pastor Martin H. Franzmann in 1954, this hymn mirrors Genesis 1:3 with the Incarnation, celebrating the Word's efficacy as God's means of grace throughout all salvation history.

Preaching Connection

This hymn traces the arc from Law to Gospel by paralleling creation's word-command with Christ's incarnate Word, inviting the sermon to show how divine judgment gives way to transformative grace.

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 578 (Hymn of the Day for Epiphany 5, Year A and one-year). Martin H. Franzmann (1907–1976), professor at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. In 1954 the seminary asked him for a processional for commencement to the tune now called EBENEZER; he wrote four stanzas on the seminary motto 'Light from Above' and added two more in 1959. The seminary still uses it. Each stanza ends 'Alleluia' to the One who sends the light: creation light (Gen 1:1–3; John 1:1–5), the darkness of the fall, Christ the light breaking in (2 Cor 4:6; John 8:12), justification ('bespeaks us righteous'), Christ crucified (1 Cor 1:22–25), and a closing prayer for lips to praise.

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: Epiphany 5

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Trinity 21 (4×)
  • Holy Trinity (1×)
  • St. John (1×)
  • St. Matthew (1×)
  • Trinity 1 (1×)
  • Trinity 12 (1×)
  • Trinity 15 (1×)
  • Trinity 8 (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Epiphany 5 (4×)
  • Proper 24 (2×)
  • Baptism of Our Lord (1×)
  • Holy Trinity (1×)
  • Reformation (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 Creation Light and darkness Divine power Redemption

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