EKG: 195
Author: Martin Luther (1524)

Chorale Melody 1: Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir (I) | Composer: Martin Luther (1524)

Vocal Works by J.S. Bach:

Ver

Work

Mvt.

Year

Br

RE

KE

Di

BC

Type

1

BWV 38

Mvt. 1

1724

-

-

-

-

A152:1

Chorus (Chorale) [S, A, T, B]

5

BWV 38

Mvt. 6

1724

10

31

10

94

F:22
A152:6

Chorale [S, A, T, B]

Chorale Melody 2: Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir (II) | Composer: Wolfgang Dachstein (1525)

Vocal Works by J.S. Bach: None.

German Text (verses in bold print set by Bach)

English Translation

1

Aus tiefer Not schrei' ich zu dir,
Herr Gott, erhoer' mein Rufen,
Dein gnädig' Ohren kehr zu mir,
Und meiner Bitt' sie öffnen!
Denn so du willst das sehen an,
Was Sünd' und Unrecht ist getan,
Wer kann, Herr, vor dir bleiben?

From deep affliction I cry out to you,
Lord God, hear my call;
incline your merciful ear here to me
and be open to my prayer!
For if you want to look at this,
what sin and injustice is done,
who can, Lord, remain before you?

2

Bei dir gilt nichts denn Gnad' und Gunst
Die Sünde zu vergeben;
Es ist doch unser Tun umsonst,
Auch in dem besten Leben.
Vor dir Niemand sich rühmen kann,
Des muß dich fürchten jedermann
Und deiner Gnade leben.

With you nothing but your grace and favour counts
in the forgiveness of sins;
our deeds are therefore useless,
even in the best life.
Before you nobody can boast,
but everyone must fear you
and live by your grace.

3

Darum auf Gott will hoffen ich,
Auf mein Verdienst nicht bauen;
Auf ihn mein Herz soll laßen sich,
Und seiner Güte trauen,
Die mir zusagt sein wertes Wort,
Das ist mein Trost und treuer Hort,
Des will ich allzeit harren.

Therefore I shall hope in God,
not build on my own merit;
on him my heart will rely
and trust in his goodness,
which his precious word promised me,
this is my consolation and faithful refuge,
for this I shall always wait.

4

Und ob es währt bis in die Nacht
Und wieder an den Morgen,
Doch soll mein Herz an Gottes Macht
Verzweifeln nicht noch sorgen,
So thu' Israel rechter Art,
Der aus dem Geist erzeuget ward,
Und seines Gott's erharre.

And even if it delays through the night
and again in the morning,
yet in God’s might my heart will
not doubt nor be anxious,
act in this way, true race of Israel,
that is produced from the spirit
and wait on God.

5

Ob bei uns ist der Sünden viel,
Bei Gott ist viel mehr Gnade;
Sein' Hand zu helfen hat kein Ziel,
Wie groß auch sei der Schade.
Er ist allein der gute Hirt,
Der Israel erlösen wird
Aus seinen Sünden allen.

Although there is much sin among us,
with God there is much more mercy;
his helping hand has no limit
however great the harm may be.
He is alone the good shepherd
who can free Israel
from all his sins.

--

Source: Gesangbuch.org
English Translation by Francis Browne (February 2006)
Contributed by Francis Browne (February 2006)

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