Thy Strong Word
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness
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
- 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.
Themes
Word of God Creation Light and darkness Divine power Redemption