Chorale Texts used in Bach's Vocal Works
Christe, du Beistand deiner Kreuzgemeine
Text and Translation of Chorale

Ref. in hymnals/hymn books:
Author: Matthäus Appelles von Löwenstern (1644), based on Psalm 79:9; Revelation 12:10; Psalm 84:11; Matthew 16:18
Chorale Melody: Christe, du Beistand (Zahn 993) | Composer: Matthäus Appelles von Löwenstern (1644)
Theme: Justification & Penance

Description:

Hymn by Matthäus Appelles von Löwenstern, in 4 4-line stanzas (1644. Melody by Matthäus Appelles von Löwenstern (1644).

Vocal Works by J.S. Bach:

Chorale Christe, du Beistand, BWV 275
Ref: RE 210; Br 210; KE 35; AmB 46II p.157; Penzel 119; BGA 23; BC F28.1

German Text (verses in bold print set by Bach)

English Translation

1. Christe, du Beistand deiner Kreuzgemeine,
Eile, mit Hilf und Rettung uns erscheine.
Steure den Feinden, ihre Blutgedichte
Mache zunichte.

1. Lord of our life and God of our salvation.
Star of our night and Hope of every nation,
Hear and receive Thy Church's supplication,
Lord God Almighty.

2. Streite doch selber für dein arme Kinder,
Wehre dem Teufel, seine Macht verhinder.
Alles, was kämpfet wider deine Glieder,
Stürze darnieder.

2. See round Thine ark the hungry billows curling;
See how thy foes their banners are unfurling.
Lord, while their darts envenomed they are hurling,
Thou canst preserve us.

3. Friede bei Kirch und Schulen uns beschere,
Friede zugleich der Polizei verehre.
Friede dem Herzen, Friede dem Gewissen,
Gib zu genießen.

3. Lord, Thou canst help when earthly armor faileth;
Lord, Thou canst save when deadly sin assaileth;
Lord, o'er Thy Church nor death nor hell prevaileth;
Grant us Thy peace, Lord:

4. Also wird zeitlich deine Güt erhoben,
Also wird ewig und ohn Ende loben
Dich, o du Wächter deiner armen Herde,
Himmel und Erde.

4. Peace in our hearts, our evil thoughts assuaging;
Peace in Thy Church where brothers are engaging;
Peace when the world its busy war is waging.
Calm Thy foes' raging.

5. Grant us Thy help till backward they are driven;
Grant them Thy truth that they may be forgiven;
Grant peace on earth or, after we have striven,
Peace in Thy heaven.

Source of German Text: Bach Digital | Hymnary.org | Monarchieliga
English Translation: Philip Pusey (1840) | Source of English Translation: Lutheran Service Book (Concordia Publishing House, Saint Louis, MO, 2006), No. 659, on Hymnary.org | Lutheran Hymnal | The Orthodox Presbyterian Church
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (September 2018 - November 2018)