Meaning of “His Mercies Endureth Forever” Ps…
Feb 26, 2026
Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands
Lyrics
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 light from heaven.
Therefore let us joyful be
and sing to God right thankfully
loud songs of hallelujah.
Hallelujah!
for our offenses given;
but now at God’s right hand He stands
and brings us light from heaven.
Therefore let us joyful be
and sing to God right thankfully
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 was ended.
Holy Scripture plainly saith
that death is swallowed up by death;
his sting is lost forever.
Hallelujah!
when life and death contended;
the victory remained with life,
the reign of death was ended.
Holy Scripture plainly saith
that death is swallowed up by death;
his sting is lost forever.
Hallelujah!
3. Here the true Paschal Lamb we see,
whom God so freely gave us;
He died on the accursed tree-
so strong His love to save us.
See His blood upon our door;
faith points to it, death passes o'er,
and Satan cannot harm us.
Hallelujah!
whom God so freely gave us;
He died on the accursed tree-
so strong His love to save us.
See His blood upon our door;
faith points to it, death passes o'er,
and Satan cannot harm us.
Hallelujah!
4. So let us keep the festival
whereto the Lord invites us;
Christ is Himself the Joy of all,
the Sun that warms and lights us.
By His grace He doth impart
eternal sunshine to the heart;
the night of sin is ended.
Hallelujah!
whereto the Lord invites us;
Christ is Himself the Joy of all,
the Sun that warms and lights us.
By His grace He doth impart
eternal sunshine to the heart;
the night of sin is ended.
Hallelujah!
Bible Reference
1 Corinthians 15:54-57; Romans 6:9-10; Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 Corinthians 5:7
About This Hymn
“Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands” was written in 1524 by Martin Luther as one of the earliest Lutheran chorales. The hymn is based on the Latin Easter sequence “Victimae Paschali Laudes” and reflects Luther’s commitment to restoring congregational singing grounded in Scripture and clear doctrine. It is a powerful proclamation of Christ’s victory over sin, death, and the devil.
The hymn closely follows 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, which declares, “Death is swallowed up in victory… thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (KJV). Luther vividly portrays death as a tyrant that once held humanity captive because of sin. Yet through His atoning death and triumphant resurrection, Christ broke those strong bands and conquered the grave.
Romans 6:9-10 teaches that Christ, being raised from the dead, dieth no more. Death hath no more dominion over Him. Luther emphasizes that Christ’s resurrection is decisive and final. The power of death has been shattered, and believers now share in that victory through faith. The hymn does not present resurrection as a vague hope, but as a completed triumph secured in history.
Hebrews 2:14-15 explains that through death Christ destroyed him that had the power of death, that is, the devil, and delivered them who through fear of death were subject to bondage. Luther’s text echoes this liberation theme. Christ enters the battle, defeats the enemy, and frees His people from fear and condemnation.
The hymn also reflects 1 Corinthians 5:7, “For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.” Luther connects the resurrection with the imagery of the Passover lamb, portraying Christ as the true Lamb whose blood delivers from judgment. This rich biblical symbolism highlights both substitution and victory.
“Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands” remains a central Easter hymn in Lutheran and other Protestant traditions. Its theology is direct and scriptural, emphasizing substitutionary atonement and triumphant resurrection. Through strong poetic imagery and clear biblical grounding, Luther calls the church to rejoice in Christ’s conquest of death and to live in the freedom purchased by His redeeming work.
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This hymn is found in these hymnals
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The United Methodist Hymnal (UMH)Updated Feb 26, 2026 · 1989 -
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Advent Hymn Book (AHB1854)Updated Feb 25, 2026 · 1854 -
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The Seventh-day Adventist HymnalUpdated Feb 25, 2026 · 1985 -
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Hymn of GraceUpdated Feb 25, 2026 · 2015 -
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Soul-Stirring Songs & HymnsUpdated Feb 25, 2026 · 1989
Hymn Information
- Category: Hymn
- Tune: CHRIST LAG IN TODESBANDEN
- Meter: 8.7.8.7.7.8.7.4
- Author/Writer: Martin Luther (1524)
- Added: February 26, 2026
- Last Updated: February 26, 2026
- Views: 13
To view the author's biography, click their name above.
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