Be Still My Soul

Author: Katharina von Schlegel (b. 1697 – ?)
English Translator: Jane L. Borthwick (1813–1897)
Composer: Jean Sibelius (1865–1957)
Tune Name: Finlandia
Meter: 10.10.10.10.10.10
Scripture References: Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 30:15 – “In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.”

Throughout history, spiritual revivals have often been accompanied by a renewed outpouring of sacred song. Such was the case during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, when congregational singing was restored to the life of the church after centuries of neglect during the Middle Ages. However, by the 17th century, much of the church had once again become spiritually cold and formal. It was in this context that the Pietistic revival emerged in Germany—a movement that paralleled the Puritan and Wesleyan revivals in England, reigniting a passion for personal piety and heartfelt worship.

A key leader in the German Pietist movement was Philipp Jakob Spener (1635–1705), a Lutheran pastor in Berlin. Though not a hymn writer himself, Spener strongly encouraged the use of sacred music as a means of nurturing spiritual life among believers. His leadership sparked a renewed wave of hymn writing in Germany, characterized by deep emotion, Scriptural depth, and fervent expressions of faith. The hymns produced during this revival reflected an emphasis on personal devotion, reverence, and a profound sense of God’s presence in the believer’s life.

Among the notable figures of this movement was Katharina von Schlegel, a Lutheran woman whose life remains largely obscure. It is believed she may have served as a canoness—a female member of a religious community—in an evangelical women’s seminary in Germany. Despite the lack of extensive biographical information, von Schlegel made a lasting impact through her hymn texts. She contributed several lyrics to a 1752 collection of spiritual songs, including the hymn that would later become known as Be Still, My Soul. While she originally penned multiple stanzas for this hymn, only three are commonly included in modern hymnals. Her poetry stands out for its gentle yet unwavering expression of trust in God amid life’s trials and uncertainties.

The English translation of von Schlegel’s hymn was completed approximately a century later by Jane Laurie Borthwick, a prominent Scottish translator of German hymns. Born in Edinburgh on April 9, 1813, Borthwick was a devout member of the Free Church of Scotland and a strong advocate for both home and foreign missions. She is widely recognized as one of the foremost translators of German hymnody into English, second only to Catherine Winkworth. Borthwick’s skillful rendering of Be Still, My Soul has preserved the original depth and tenderness of von Schlegel’s text while making it accessible to English-speaking congregations around the world.

The music now associated with this hymn comes from the pen of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, who is regarded as one of the most celebrated figures in Finland’s musical history. His works are known for their rich textures, melodic strength, and patriotic spirit. The melody for Be Still, My Soul is adapted from a section of Finlandia, a tone poem Sibelius composed in 1899. This larger orchestral work was written as a celebration of Finnish identity and resilience in the face of foreign oppression, capturing the grandeur of Finland’s landscapes and the strength of its people. The hymn tune, drawn from one of its most lyrical movements, imparts a sense of serene majesty that perfectly complements the message of quiet trust and inner peace found in the text.

Together, von Schlegel’s heartfelt poetry, Borthwick’s faithful translation, and Sibelius’s stirring music combine to make Be Still, My Soul one of the most beloved hymns of comfort and faith. Rooted in the promise of Psalm 46:10—“Be still, and know that I am God”—and Isaiah 30:15—“In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength”—the hymn continues to offer solace and hope to believers in times of sorrow, uncertainty, and waiting. Its timeless reminder of God’s sovereign care and faithfulness has made it a cherished treasure in Christian hymnody across the centuries.