A SAFE STRONGHOLD OUR GOD IS STILL,
A trusty shield and weapon;
He’ll help us clear from all the ill
That hath us now o’ertaken.
The ancient prince of hell
Hath risen with purpose fell;
Strong mail of craft and power
He weareth in this hour;
On earth is not His fellow.
With force of arms we nothing can,
Full soon were we down-ridden;
But for us fights the proper Man,
Whom God Himself hath bidden.
Ask ye: Who is this same?
Christ Jesus is His name,
The Lord Sabaoth’s Son;
He, and no other one,
Shall conquer in the battle.
And were this world all devils o’er,
And watching to devour us,
We lay it not to heart so sore;
Not they can overpower us.
And let the prince of ill
Look grim as e’er he will,
He harms us not a whit;
For why? his doom is writ;
A word shall quickly slay him.
God’s word, for all their craft and force,
One moment will not linger,
But, spite of hell, shall have its course;
‘Tis written by His finger.
And though they take our life,
Goods, honour, children, wife,
Yet is their profit small:
These things shall vanish all;
The city of God remaineth.
Song Meaning
The hymn confesses that Christ, not human force, defeats evil and that God’s word and kingdom endure even amid severe loss.
Biblical Message
Psalm 46 portrays God as refuge; Ephesians 6:12 locates the believer’s struggle beyond human opponents; Romans 8:38–39 speaks of inseparable love.
Reflection
The hymn’s confidence faces real losses rather than promising an easy life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of “A safe stronghold our God is still”?
The hymn confesses that Christ, not human force, defeats evil and that God’s word and kingdom endure even amid severe loss.
Which Bible passages connect with the song?
Psalm 46 portrays God as refuge; Ephesians 6:12 locates the believer’s struggle beyond human opponents; Romans 8:38–39 speaks of inseparable love.
When can this song be used in worship?
Reformation worship or a service about courage in adversity.