Danket dem Herren, denn Er ist sehr freundlich

Here is my translation of the table (saying grace or returning thanks) hymn, “Danket dem Herren, denn Er ist sehr freundlich” (Johann Horn, d. ), in ELGB #368, first appearing in the Bohemian Brethren hymnal 1544 (Kirchengeseng) with title “Grace after meat” is a loose paraphrase of Psalm 136 designed for singing after a meal. It was notably included in the Babst Gsb 1545. Stanzas 7–8 are a later addition first appearing in the basel Gsb 1581. The original melody, a kind of normalized, rhythmic psalm tone of two half-verses of 11 syllables each, is given from the 1566 edition of Kirchengeseng. It is found earlier in the Tenor line of Senfl’s Vitam quae faciunt and Vivamus mea Lesba (1534) and used by Bach in BWV 286 (information from Bach Cantatas, which also features C. S. Terry’s translation).
 

 

O THANK the Lord for all His goodly favor,
For His mercy and truth endure forever.

2 He as a God in love and grace abounding
Hath fed us needy ones with His gifts astounding.

3 Sing unto Him with all your heart low-bending:
Thine, Father, be all thanks and praise unending!

4 Thou as our gracious Father God in heaven
Hast food and clothing to Thy children given.

5 Grant us to know Thee rightly, dear Creator,
And long for Thee with longing ever greater.

6 Through Jesus Christ, Thy dearest Son, our Savior,
Who at Thy Throne doth represent us ever.

7 May He assist us all by His good Spirit,
His Father’s kingdom grant us to inherit.

8 All glory to His name forever holy!
Say from your heart, Amen, indeed, and truly!

Translation © 2023 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Danket dem Herren, denn Er ist sehr freundlich
und seine Güt' und Wahrheit bleibet ewiglich.

2 Der als ein barmherziger gütiger Gott,
uns dürftige Creaturen gespeiset hat.

3 Singet Ihm aus Herzens-Grund mit Innigkeit:
Lob und Dank sei Dir, Gott Vater in Ewigkeit.

4 Der Du uns, als ein reicher, milder Vater,
speisest und kleidest Dein' elend Kinder.

5 Verleih', das wir Dich recht lernen erkennen,
und nach Dir, ewigen Schöpfer, uns sehnen.

6 Durch Jesum Christum, Deinen allerliebsten Sohn,
welcher unser Mittler ist word'n vor Deinem Thron.

7 Der helf' uns allesamt allhier zugleiche,
und mach' uns Erben in seines Vaters Reiche.

8 Zu Lob und Ehren seinem heiligen Namen:
wer das begehrt, der sprech vom Herzen: Amen.