Wohl dem, der in Gottes Furcht Steht. M. Luther. [Psalm cxxviii.] This version of Psalm cxxviii. was first published in Eyn Enchiridion, Erfurt, 1524, in 5 stanzas of 4 lines, and thence in Wackernagel, iii. p. 8. Also in Schircks's edition of Luther's Geistliche Lieder, 1854, p. 82, in the Unverfälschter Liedersegen, 1851, &c. Being the description of a pious household it was often sung at weddings. Translated as:—
(1) ”Blessed are all that feare the Lord." By Bp. Coverdale, 1539 (Remains, 1846, p. 573). He also gives a second version of Psalms cxxviii., 3 stanzas of 9 lines, which contains many lines identical, but in form rather follows the version beginning "Wohl dem, der den Herren fürchtet," which Wackernagel, iii., p. 553, gives, in 3 stanzas of 7 lines, from the Nürnberg Enchiridion of 1527. (2) "Blessit ar thay that sit in Goddis dreid." In the Gude and Godlie Ballates, ed. 1568, folio 66 (ed. 1868, p. 113). (3) "Blest man! who walks in wisdom's way." By J. Anderson, 1846, p. 51 (1847, p. 68). (4) "Blest is the man who walks alway." By Dr. J. Hunt, 1853, p. 81. (5) "Happy the man who feareth God." By R. Massie, 1854, p. 51. Repeated by Dr. Bacon, in his Hymns of M. Luther, 1884. (6) "Happy who in the fear of God." By Dr. G. Macdonald, in the Sunday Magazine, 1867. In his Exotics, 1876, altered and beginning "Happy who in God's fear doth stay." [Rev. James Mearns, M.A.]
--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)
Luther, Martin, born at Eisleben, Nov. 10, 1483; entered the University of Erfurt, 1501 (B.A. 1502, M.A.. 1503); became an Augustinian monk, 1505; ordained priest, 1507; appointed Professor at the University of Wittenberg, 1508, and in 1512 D.D.; published his 95 Theses, 1517; and burnt the Papal Bull which had condemned them, 1520; attended the Diet of Worms, 1521; translated the Bible into German, 1521-34; and died at Eisleben, Feb. 18, 1546. The details of his life and of his work as a reformer are accessible to English readers in a great variety of forms. Luther had a huge influence on German hymnody.
i. Hymn Books.
1. Ellich cristlich lider Lobgesang un Psalm. Wittenberg, 1524. [Hamburg Library.] This contains 8 German h… Go to person page >
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