Debout Sainte Cohorte

“Debout, sainte cohorte” is the well known French rendering of George Duffield’s hymn often recognized in English as “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.” Through the vigorous and faithful translation of Ruben Saillens, the hymn became a rallying song for French speaking Protestant churches, preserving both the martial imagery and the deep spiritual resolve of the original text. The hymn calls believers to active, courageous faith rooted in allegiance to Christ, the King of kings.

The opening stanza summons the church as a holy host, standing firmly under the banner of the cross. This imagery reflects Ephesians 6:10-18, where believers are commanded to be strong in the Lord and to put on the whole armor of God. The hymn makes clear that Christ Himself leads His people along the path of glory, from victory to victory. Christian triumph is not self achieved, but follows obedient devotion to Jesus Christ.

The sound of the trumpet in the second stanza recalls biblical calls to readiness and perseverance. The promise of an immortal crown mirrors 2 Timothy 2:3-4, where believers are urged to endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, keeping their focus on pleasing their commanding Lord. Even when the enemy rages, the hymn exhorts believers to remain steadfast, increasing courage as opposition increases.

The third stanza emphasizes dependence upon Christ rather than human strength. When the arm grows weary, the believer is directed to look to Jesus, echoing Hebrews 12:1-3, which calls Christians to run the race with endurance by fixing their eyes on Christ. Victory is linked not merely to effort, but to prayer, humility, and reliance on the invincible armor God provides. The line affirming triumph for those who fight on their knees highlights the biblical truth that spiritual victory flows from submission to God.

The final stanza lifts the eyes of the church toward the coming dawn. The struggle will not last forever. Soon the weapons of warfare will be laid at the feet of the King of kings, and the cross will give way to the throne. This hope resonates with 1 Corinthians 15:57, which declares that God gives victory through Jesus Christ, and with Revelation 19:11-16, where Christ is revealed as the triumphant ruler.