EKG: 391
Author: Jakob Ebert (1601)
Chorale Melody: Du Friedefürst, Herr Jesu Christ | Composer: Anon (previously thought to be Ludwig Helmbold)

Ver

Work

Mvt.

Year

Br

RE

KE

Di

BC

1

BWV 67

Mvt. 7

1724

42

68

42

4

A62:7

1

BWV 116

Mvt. 1

1724

-

-

-

-

A164:1

2~

BWV 116

Mvt. 2

1724

-

-

-

-

A164:2

3~

BWV 116

Mvt. 3

1724

-

-

-

-

A164:3

4~

BWV 116

Mvt. 4

1724

-

-

-

-

A164:4

5&6~

BWV 116

Mvt. 5

1724

-

-

-

-

A164:5

7

BWV 116

Mvt. 6

1724

-

69

-

-

A164:6

1

BWV 143

Mvt. 2

1708-14

-

-

-

-

T99:2

3

BWV 143

Mvt. 7

1708-14

-

-

-

-

T99:7

BWV 116 is a chorale cantata belonging to Bach's second Leipzig Jahrgang (annual series) 1724/25. The text is based on a hymn of Jakob Ebert), which was published in 1601 by Bartholomäus Gesius). As usual in the chorale cantatas the anonymous librettist has kept the original first and last strophes of the hymn and refashioned the intervening strophes as recitatives and arias.

The first verse is also used for the concluding chorale of BWV 67.

German Text (verses in bold print set by Bach)

English Translation

1

Du Friedefürst, Herr Jesu Christ
wahr Mensch und wahrer Gott,
ein starker Nothelfer du bist
im Leben und im Tod.
Drum wir allein
im Namen dein
zu deinem Vater schreien!

You prince of peace, Lord Jesus Christ,
true man and true God,
you are a strong helper in distress,
in life and death.
Therefore we only
in your name
cry to your Father!

2

Recht große Not uns stößet an
von Krieg und Ungemach,
daraus uns niemand helfen kann
denn du; drum führ die Sach.
Dein’ Vater bitt,
daß er ja nicht
im Zorn mit uns woll fahren!

Really great distress presses on us
because of war and hardship,
in this situation no one can help us
but you; therefore guide our affairs.
Ask your Father
that he may not
wish to deal with us in anger!

3

Gedenk, Herr, jetzund an dein Amt,
daß du ein Friedefürst bist,
und hülf uns gnädig allesamt
jetztund zu dieser Frist.
Laß uns hinfort
dein göttlich Wort
im Fried noch länger schallen!

Be mindful, Lord, now of your office,
that you are a prince of peace,
and graciously help us in all ways
now at this time.
Grant that henceforth
your divine word
may resound still longer in peace!

4

Verdienet haben wir alles wohl
und leidens mit Geduld;
doch deine Gnad größer sein soll
denn unsre Sünd und Schuld.
Darum vergib
nach deiner Lieb,
die du fest zu uns trägest!

We have well deserved everything
and suffer it with patience;
but your mercy should be greater
than our sin and guilt.
Therefore forgive
according to your love
which you bear steadily for us.

5

Es ist groß Elend und Gefahr,
wo Pestilenz regiert;
aber viel größer ist fürwahr,
wo Krieg geführet wird.
Da wird veracht’
und nicht betracht’
was recht und löblich wäre.

There is great misery and danger
where pestilence rules;
but it is truly far worse
where war is waged.
There is scorn
and no consideration
for what was right and commendable.

6

Da fragt man nicht nach Ehrbarkeit,
nach Zucht und nach Gericht.
Dein Wort liegt auch zu solcher Zeit
und geht im Schwange nicht.
Drum hilf uns, Herr,
treib von uns fern
Krieg und all schädlich Wesen.

There is no concern for decency,
for propriety and for justice.
Your word also at such a time lies neglected
and is not in fashion.
Therefore help us , Lord,
drive far from us
war and all that is harmful

7

Erleucht auch unser Sinn und Herz
durch den Geist deiner Gnad,
daß wir nicht treiben draus ein Scherz,
der unsrer Seelen schad.
O Jesu Christ,
allein du bist,
der solchs wohl kann ausrichten.

Enlighten also our hearts and minds
through the spirit of your mercy
so that we may not act frivolously
to the harm of our souls.
O Jesus Christ
you alone
can well accomplish this.

English Translation by Francis Browne (April 2003)
Contributed by Francis Browne (April 2003)

Cantata BWV 67: Complete Recordings | Recordings of Individual Movements | Discussions
German Text | Translations: Chinese-1 | Dutch | English-1 | English-6 | English-10 | French-1 | French-4 | Hebrew-1 | Indonesia | Italian | Spanish-2 | Spanish-3

Cantata BWV 116: Complete Recordings | Recordings of Individual Movements | Discussions: Part 1 | Part 2
German Text | Translations: Dutch | English-1 | English-3 | English-6 | French-4 | Hebrew-1 | Indonesian | Italian | Portuguese-1 | Spanish-5

Cantata BWV 143: Complete Recordings | Recordings of Individual Movements | Discussions: Part 1 | Part 2
German Text | Translations: Dutch | English-1 | English-3 | French-3 | English-6 | French-4 | Hebrew-1 | Indonesian | Italian | Spanish-2

Chorales BWV 250-438
Recordings | General Discussions: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Chorales in Bach Cantatas: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Hidden Chorale Melody Allusions | Passion Chorale
Individual Recordings: Hilliard - Morimur | Chorales - Matt | Chorales - Rilling | Preludi ai Corali - Quartetto Italiani di Viola Da Gamba
References: Chorales BWV 250-300 | Chorales BWV 301-350 | Chorales BWV 351-400 | Chorales BWV 401-438
Texts & English Translations of Chorales: Sorted by Title
Chorale Melodies: Sorted by Title | 371 4-Part Chorales sorted by Breitkopf Number | Explanation
MIDI files of the Chorales: Cantatas BWV 1-197 | Other Vocal Works BWV 225-248 | Chorales BWV 250-438
Articles: The Origin of the Texts of the Chorales [Schweitzer] | The Origin of the Melodies of the Chorales [Schweitzer] | The Chorale in the Church Service [Schweitzer] | Choral / Chorale [Terry] | The History of the Breitkopf Collection of J. S. Bach’s Four-Part Chorales [Braatz] | Chorale Melody Allusions in Bach's Vocal Works [Braatz]
Hymnals used by Bach | Abbreviations used for the Chorales | Links to other Sites about the Chorales

Texts & English Translations of Chorales: Sorted by Title

Texts & Translations: Cantatas BWV 1-50 | Cantatas BWV 51-100 | Cantatas BWV 101-150 | Cantatas BWV 151-200 | Cantatas BWV 201-224 | Other Vocal BWV 225-249 | Chorales BWV 250-438 | Geistliche Lieder BWV 439-507 | AMN BWV 508-524 | Other Vocal 1081-1089 | BWV Anh | Chorale Texts | Sources | Poets & Composers | Discussions: Texts | Translations: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Introduction | Cantatas | Other Vocal | Non-Vocal | Performers | General Topics | Articles | Books | Movies
Biographies | Texts & Translations | Scores | References | Commentary | Music | Concerts | Bach Tour | Memorabilia
Chorale Texts | Chorale Melodies | Lutheran Church Year | Readings | Poets & Composers | Transcriptions
Search Website | Search Works/Movements | Terms & Abbreviations | Copyright Notice | How to contribute | Links