"Komm, Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott" | |
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Hymn by Martin Luther | |
![]() In the Erfurt Enchiridion, 1524 (first of three pages) | |
English | "Come, Holy Spirit, God and Lord" |
Catalogue | Zahn 7445a–b |
Text | by Martin Luther |
Language | German |
Based on | "Veni Sancte Spiritus, reple tuorum corda fidelium" |
Published | 1524 |
"Komm, Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott" ("Come, Holy Ghost, Lord God") is a Lutheran hymn for Pentecost, with words written by Martin Luther based on "Veni Sancte Spiritus, reple tuorum corda fidelium". The hymn in three stanzas was first published in 1524. For centuries the chorale has been the prominent hymn (Hauptlied) for Pentecost in German-speaking Lutheranism. Johann Sebastian Bach used it in several chorale preludes, cantatas and his motet Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf, BWV 226.
The hymn inspired composers from |the Renaissance to contemporary to write chorale preludes and vocal compositions. It has been translated, for example by Catherine Winkworth as "Come, Holy Spirit, God and Lord" in 1855, and has appeared in hymnals of various denominations.
The artist Hans Holbein the Younger featured the hymn in the painting The Ambassadors.