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Cantata BWV 106
Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit (Actus Tragicus)
English Translation in Parallel Format
Cantata BWV 106 - God's time is the very best time

(Biblical quotations are in green font, chorale quotations in purple font)

1. Sonatina Flauto I/II, Viola da gamba I/II, Continuo

2a. Chorus Flauto I/II, Viola da gamba I/II, Continuo

Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit.
In ihm leben, weben und sind wir, solange er will.
In ihm sterben wir zur rechten Zeit, wenn er will.

God's time is the very best time.
In him we live , move and are, so long as he wills.
In him we die at the right time, when he wills

2b. Arioso Tenor Flauto I/II, Viola da gamba I/II, Continuo

Ach, Herr, lehre uns bedenken,
daß wir sterben müssen,
auf daß wir klug werden.

Ah Lord, teach us to think
that we must die
so that we become wise.

2c. Aria Bass Flauto I/II, Viola da gamba I/II, Continuo

Bestelle dein Haus;
denn du wirst sterben
und nicht lebendig bleiben.

Put your house in order
for you will die
and not remain living.

2d. Chorus Flauto I/II, Viola da gamba I/II, Continuo

Soprano:

Es ist der alte Bund:
Mensch, du mußt sterben!
It is the old covenant:
Man, you must die!

Ja, komm, Herr Jesu, komm!
Yes, come, lord Jesus. come !

3a. Aria Alto Viola da gamba I/II, Continuo

In deine Hände befehl ich meinen Geist;
du hast mich erlöset, Herr, du getreuer Gott

Into your hands I commit my spirit;
you have redeemed me, Lord, you faithful God

3b. Arioso Bass and Chorale Alto Viola da gamba I/II, Continuo

Heute wirst du mit mir im Paradies sein.
Today you will be with me in paradise

Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin
In Gottes Willen,,
Getrost ist mir mein Herz und Sinn,
Sanft und stille.
Wie Gott mir verheißen hat:
Der Tod ist mein Schlaf geworden.
With peace and joy I travel on
in God's will,
my heart and mind are confident
As God has promised me:
death has become my sleep

4. Chorus Flauto I/II, Viola da gamba I/II, Continuo

Glorie, Lob, Ehr und Herrlichkeit
Sei dir, Gott Vater und Sohn bereit,
Dem heilgen Geist mit Namen!
Die göttlich Kraft
Mach uns sieghaft
Durch Jesum Christum, Amen.

Glory, praise, honour and majesty
be given to you God father and son,
to the Holy Spirit by name!
God's strength
make us victorious
through Jesus Christ. Amen.

--

English Translation by Francis Browne (March 2002, revised January 2005)

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