EIN FESTE BURG

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law → Gospel → Assurance → Victory. Establishes human vulnerability and demonic opposition, then proclaims Christ as sole defense, strengthens faith against worldly threats, and concludes with eternal triumph of God's truth over all earthly powers.

Associated Hymn Texts (3)

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God — Martin Luther; tr. various (1529)
God's word is our great heritage
O God Our Lord Thy Holy Word — Martin Luther (1524)

Bach Cantatas Using This Tune (1)

BWV 80 — Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott ("A mighty fortress is our God") (1724)

Reformation Day

SATB soloists, chorus, trumpet, drums, orchestra

Bach's grandest chorale cantata. The two outer movements by W.F. Bach added later.

Set to This Tune in The Lutheran Hymnal (1)

TLH 262 A Mighty Fortress is Our God

Notes on the Tune

From Hymn Desk's analyses of the hymns sung to it.

TLH 262, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God : EIN FESTE BURG — Luther's own melody, originally rhythmic (row 17); the isometric version (row 18) dominated 19th-century use.