BWV 112 Der Herr ist mein getreuer Hirt

Misericordias Domini (Second Sunday after Easter).

?Wolfgang Meuslin, an imitation of Ps. 23, 1530; PT (Leipzig, 1731); Facs: Neumann T, p. 443.

1-5. Verses 1-5 of the hymn.

8 April 1731, Leipzig.

BG 24; NBA I/11.


1. Chorus [Verse 1] (S, A, T, B)

The Lord is now my shepherd true,
He holds me in his shelter,
Wherein for nothing shall I want,
Possessing any value;
He gives me pasture endlessly,
Whereon grows the sweet-tasting grass
Of his word's healing Gospel.

2. Aria [Verse 2] (A)

To water pure he leadeth me,
Which me refreshment bringeth.
It is his sacred Holy Ghost,
Which makes me strong in courage.
He guides me on the proper road
Of his commandments evermore
For sake of his own name and honor.

3. Recit. [Verse 3] (B)

And though I wander in darkness' vale,
I'll fear(1) no evil fortune,
Persecution, suff'ring, sadness,
Nor this world's callous whimsy;
For thou art with me constantly,
Thy staff and rod, they comfort me,
To thy word I commend me.

4. Aria [Verse 4] (S, T)

Thou preparest a table for me
Midst the foes(2) which stand about me,
Dost my heart make unafraid and fresh,
My head hast thou anointed
With thine own spirit's joyful oil,
And thou dost pour full this my soul
With thy spiritual gladness.

5. Chorale [Verse 5] (S, A, T, B)

His goodness and his mercy shall
Attend me through my lifetime,
And I will evermore abide
Within the Lord's own dwelling,
On earth in Christian company,
And after death there will I be
With Christ, my Lord and Master.


1. With Fürcht ich doch read "I'll fear yet."

2. With Für meinen Feind read "Amidst the foes."


© Copyright Z. Philip Ambrose


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