Now Thank We All Our God

Author: Martin Rinkart (1586–1649)
English Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1827–1878)
Composer: Johann Crüger (1598–1662)
Tune Name: Nun Danket
Meter: 6.7.6.6.6.6
Scripture Reference: Psalm 147; Romans 8:35, 37

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. — Romans 8:35, 37 (KJV)

The hymn “Now Thank We All Our God” stands as a stirring expression of gratitude and faith—an enduring legacy of hope forged in the crucible of one of history’s darkest periods. Composed during the turmoil of the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648), it is remarkable not only for its rich theological depth but also for the extraordinary circumstances under which it was written. Despite the widespread suffering and despair of the era, this hymn has become known as Germany’s national Te Deum, sung on countless occasions of public thanksgiving and national significance.

Martin Rinkart was born on April 23, 1586, in Eilenburg, Saxony, Germany, the son of a poor coppersmith. As a youth, he was a choirboy at Leipzig’s renowned St. Thomas Church, later famously led by Johann Sebastian Bach. Rinkart pursued theological studies at the University of Leipzig and entered the Lutheran ministry. At age thirty-one, he returned to his native Eilenburg as pastor—just as the ravages of war began to engulf the region. Because Eilenburg was a walled city, it became overcrowded with refugees fleeing military conflict, making it a prime target for disease and famine. Over the years, waves of pestilence swept through the town, and armies repeatedly occupied the city, bringing devastation in their wake. During the plague of 1637, Rinkart was the only surviving pastor in Eilenburg and often conducted 40 to 50 funerals each day. Yet through this heart-wrenching experience, he continued to minister with compassion, opening his home to those in need—even while struggling to care for his own family.

In the final years of the war, Eilenburg faced occupation by the Austrian and Swedish armies. During one Swedish occupation, an unreasonable tribute was demanded from the already destitute citizens. Rinkart, acting as the spiritual and civic leader of his community, pleaded with the Swedish commander to reduce the tribute. When his appeals were initially denied, he turned to his congregation and said, “Come, my children, we can find no mercy with man; let us take refuge with God.” Leading them in prayer and song, Rinkart’s spiritual fervor so moved the commander that the demand was significantly lowered. These acts of courage and devotion solidified Rinkart’s legacy as both a pastor and a patriot. In addition to his pastoral duties, he authored 66 hymns and several dramatic works related to the Protestant Reformation, despite the immense personal hardship he endured.

“Now Thank We All Our God” became his most enduring hymn. Its popularity grew beyond Germany’s borders, thanks in large part to the excellent English translation by Catherine Winkworth, published in 1858. Winkworth, a noted scholar and linguist, was instrumental in bringing the richness of German hymnody into the English-speaking world. She is also remembered for translating other beloved hymns such as “Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty.” Her work helped embed these hymns into the fabric of English-language worship, where they continue to inspire congregations today.

The majestic tune for Rinkart’s hymn was composed by Johann Crüger, one of the most significant church musicians in 17th-century Germany. Crüger’s hymnal, Praxis Pietatis Melica, published in 1644, was the most influential German hymnal of its time, undergoing at least 44 editions between 1644 and 1731. The pairing of Crüger’s dignified melody with Rinkart’s grateful text first appeared in the 1647 edition and has remained a fixture in Christian worship ever since.

The hymn consists of three stanzas. The first is a broad expression of thanksgiving for God’s abundant blessings—“with countless gifts of love.” The second stanza offers a heartfelt prayer for divine guidance and protection, possibly echoing Rinkart’s own personal trials with the plea, “Guide us when perplexed and free us from all ills.” The final stanza is a glorious doxology that exalts the triune God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—as the “one eternal God.” Despite being written in an age of suffering, this hymn has become a universal song of hope, offering praise not only for the blessings of peace but also for the sustaining grace found in the midst of suffering.