We Have a Sure Prophetic Word
We have a sure prophetic word
We Have a Sure Prophetic Word is a hymn text by Peter Gerhardt (1653) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by John Christian Jacobi. Found in lw 340, th 251, tlh 290. Sung to FESTAL SONG.
This hymn celebrates the sufficiency and reliability of Scripture as God's revealed Word, particularly emphasizing how the Old Testament prophetically points to Christ. It reflects Lutheran emphasis on sola scriptura while affirming Christ as the fulfillment and focus of all biblical testimony.
History & Background
Originally written in German by Peter Gerhardt in 1653, this hymn was translated into English by John Christian Jacobi in 1720. It has been a staple of Lutheran hymnody since its appearance in early American Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 340
- Trinity Hymnal — 251
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 290
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by the 17th-century Lutheran hymnologist Peter Gerhardt, this hymn crystallizes the Reformation conviction that Scripture's prophetic testimony reliably leads us to Christ as the center and fulfillment of God's saving Word.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Lutheran principle of sola scriptura by anchoring believers' confidence not in human wisdom but in the prophetic testimony that culminates in Christ—making it an ideal lyrical companion to sermons on biblical authority and Gospel promise.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christological imperative to awakening: from personal Spirit-empowered illumination, through liberation and reconciliation, to cosmic restoration and justice, culminating in eschatological peace
Overview
An American Lutheran hymn by Emanuel Cronenwett, a pastor of the Ohio Synod, on 2 Peter 1:19. It confesses the inspired Word that stands though attacked on every side (st. 1); though empires have banned and burned it and pagan pride scorned it, the Word remains while empires lie in dust (st. 2); its prophecies have been fulfilled across the ages (st. 3); and it endures, firm and sure, so that whoever trusts it has an anchor in Christ (st. 4). A sturdy hymn of confidence in Scripture.
Central theme: The inspired, prophetic Word endures every attack and proves itself in fulfilled prophecy, anchoring faith in Christ
Structure
Four long-meter quatrains. Inspired and assailed (1) — outlasting empires (2) — prophecy fulfilled (3) — the anchor (4).
Law & Gospel Shape
Gospel: 'His anchor holds in Christ, the Lord' (4). The attacks on the Word are named but powerless.
Confessional Connections
Scripture inspired by God (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:21) and the only rule of faith (FC Rule and Norm). Its endurance (Isa 40:8) — 'the Word they still shall let remain' (TLH 262). Fulfilled prophecy as witness to Christ (Luke 24:44). Faith anchored 'in Christ, the Lord' — Scripture's purpose is to bring us to Christ (John 20:31).
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
Reformation; Bible Sunday; Advent 2 (2 Pet 1:19 traditionally read in some lectionaries).
Historical Notes
Cronenwett (1841-1931) served Ohio Synod congregations in Butler, Pennsylvania, for decades and wrote and translated hymns for the Ohio Synod hymnal (1880). Jer 36 records a king burning Jeremiah's scroll; Diocletian ordered Scriptures burned in 303.
About the Tune
WO GOTT ZUM HAUS (Klug's Geistliche Lieder, Wittenberg, 1535).
Scripture References
2 Pet 1:19-21 2 Tim 3:16 Isa 40:8 1 Pet 1:24-25 Jer 36:23-28 Dan 2:44 Ps 2:1-4 Isa 46:9-10 Luke 24:44 Matt 5:18 Heb 6:18-19 Matt 7:24-25
Stanza by Stanza
We have a sure prophetic Word, inspired by the Lord; and though it is attacked on every side, the LORD's Word will always stand.
2 Pet 1:19 (TLH's text): 'we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed.' 2 Pet 1:21: 'men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.' Isa 40:8.
- Scripture
- 2 Pet 1:19-21, 2 Tim 3:16, Isa 40:8
- Imagery & language
- Sure Word; inspiration; assault.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — the enduring Word.
- Connection to previous
- Sure Word.
Banned and burned by imperial powers, rejected and scorned by pagan pride, the Word still stands as the Christian's trust while proud empires lie in dust.
King Jehoiakim burned Jeremiah's scroll, and God had it rewritten (Jer 36:23-28). Rulers rage in vain (Ps 2:1-4). Empires pass (Dan 2:44); 'the word of the Lord remains forever' (1 Pet 1:25).
- Scripture
- Jer 36:23-28, Ps 2:1-4, Dan 2:44, 1 Pet 1:24-25
- Imagery & language
- Banned and burned; empires in dust.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — the Word outlasts its enemies.
- Connection to previous
- Burned yet standing.
Look — what the Word foretold long ago of future days and deeds is all fulfilled as the ages roll, just as it was written on the prophetic scroll.
'Declaring the end from the beginning' (Isa 46:9-10). 'Everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled' (Luke 24:44). Fulfilled prophecy confirms Scripture's divine origin.
- Scripture
- Isa 46:9-10, Luke 24:44, Matt 5:18, Acts 3:18
- Imagery & language
- Prophetic scroll; fulfillment.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — promises kept.
- Connection to previous
- Fulfilled.
The teachings of the Word endure, abiding, steadfast, firm and sure. Blessed is he who trusts this steadfast Word; his anchor holds in Christ the Lord.
'We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul' (Heb 6:19). The house on the rock (Matt 7:24-25). The Word's purpose: faith in Christ (John 20:31).
- Scripture
- Heb 6:18-19, Matt 7:24-25, John 20:31, Ps 119:89
- Imagery & language
- Steadfast; anchor in Christ.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — anchored in Christ.
- Connection to previous
- Anchor.
Themes
Scripture and revelation The Word of God Jesus Christ as fulfillment Light and guidance Assurance in faith