Text:Christ Jesus Lay
Translator:Martin Luther
Translator (English):Richard Massie
Translator (English):Catherine Winkworth
Translator (English):Johann Christian Jacobi
Tune:CHRIST LAG IN TODESBANDEN
Adapter:Johann Walther
Harmonizer:J. S. Bach

463. Christ Jesus Lay

1 Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands
for our offenses given,
but now at God’s right hand he stands
and brings us life from heaven.
Therefore let us all rejoice
and sing to God with heart and voice
loud songs of hallelujah!
Hallelujah!

2 It was a strange and dreadful strife
when life and death contended.
The victory remained with life,
the reign of death is ended.
So the scripture makes it plain
that death by death’s own sword is slain.
Its sting is lost forever.
Hallelujah!

3 Then let us keep this feast today
that God has freely given.
The word of grace has swept away
the old and evil leaven.
Christ today will meet his own
and faith will feed on him alone;
the living bread of heaven.
Hallelujah!

Text Information
First Line: Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands
Title: Christ Jesus Lay
Translator: Martin Luther
Translator (English): Richard Massie
Translator (English): Catherine Winkworth
Translator (English): Johann Christian Jacobi
Meter: 8.7.8.7.7.8.7.4
Publication Date: 2020
Scripture: ; ; ; ; ; ;
Topic: Confessing Faith; Death and Eternal Life; Heritage: 16th-Century (4 more...)
Source: Victimae Paschali, (present-day Germany), ca. 11th c.; trans. Martin Luther (present-day Germany), “Christ lag in Todesbanden,” Eyn Enchiridion, 1524; English trans. composite Richard Massie (England), Martin Luther’s Spiritual Songs, 1854, Catherine Winkworth (England), Lyra Germanica I, 1855, and Johann Jacobi (present-day Germany), Psalmodia Germanica, 1722
Tune Information
Name: CHRIST LAG IN TODESBANDEN
Adapter: Johann Walther
Harmonizer: J. S. Bach
Meter: 8.7.8.7.7.8.7.4
Key: d minor or modal
Source: medieval traditional; adapt. Johann Walther (present-day Germany), CHRIST IST ERSTANDEN, Gesangbuchlein, 1524; harm. J. S. Bach (present-day Germany), from Cantata No. 4, Christ lag in Todesbanden, ca. 1708



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