Chorale Texts used in Bach's Vocal Works
Des heil'gen Geistes reiche gnad'
Text and Translation of Chorale

EKG: NLGB 126
Author: Anon (Leipzig, 1582), after the Latin hymn Spiritus sancti gratia
Chorale Melody: Des heilgen Geistes reiche Gnad (Zahn 3706), | Composer: Johann Hermann Schein (1627), a modification of Spiritus sancti gratia
Event:

Description:

394-396

Vocal Works by J.S. Bach:

Chorale Des heilgen Geistes reiche Gnad, BWV 295
Ref: RE 207; Br 207; KE 63; AmB 46II p.154; Penzel 144; BGA 42; BC F178.1; CST 66

Latin

English

1 Spiritus sancti gratia,
Apolstolorum pectora
replevit sun gratia
donans linguarum genera.

The grace of the Holy Spirit
filled the breasts of the apostles
with grace,
bestowing upon them all languages .

2 Misit per mundi climata,
pari verbi potentia,
ut praedicarent variis
linguis omni creaturae.

He sent them through the world’s regions
with equal power of speech
to preach in different languages
to all creation.

3 Dicens eis: accipite
Spiritum Sanctum hodie,
ipse docebit omnia,
futura et praeterita.

Saying to them: receive
today the Holy Spirit,
he himself will teach you all things,
the future and the past.

4 Dicens eis: dum steteritis
coram regibus et principibus,
nolite cogitare, quomode,
aut quid loquamini.

Saying to them: when you stand
in the presence of kings and princes
do not think about how
or what you will say

5 Dabitur vobis illa hora,
honor virtus et gloria,
quae replet disideria,
virtute sed divina.

In that hour honour,
courage glory will be given
which will satisfy your needs
with divine power

6 Laudemus consolatorem,
omniumque creatorem,
ipse amovit errorrem,
verm inducit vervorem.

Let us praise the comforter
the creator of all things,
he himself removes error
and inspires true devotion

7 Ergo nunc cum tripudio
benedicamus Domino,
laudetur sancta Trinitas,
Deo dicamus gratias

Therefore now with joyful dance
let us bless the Lord,
that the holy Trinity be praised,
let us give thanks to God.

German

English

1. Des heil'gen Geistes reiche gnad'
Die herzen der apostel hat
Erfüllt mit seiner gütigkeit,
Geschenkt der sprachen unterscheid.
Halleluja!

The rich grace of the Holy Spirit
fills the hearts of the apostles
with its goodness
bestows upon them different languages.
Alleluia!

2. Christ hat vorhin an der welt end'
Mit gleicher macht sie ausgesend't,
In vielen zungen Gottes wort
Kräftig zu lehren aller ort.
Halleluja!

Christ has sent them out to the ends of the world’s
with equal power,
to teach God’s Word powerfully everywhere
in many different languages.
Alleluia!

3. Sagend zu ihnen: nehmet hin
Den heil'gen Geist mit hohem sinn,
Daß er euch lehr in einer frist,
Was künftig und vergangen ist.
Halleluja!

Saying to them, receive
the Holy Spirit with exalted mind
so that he may teach you at one time
what is future and what is past.
Alleluia!

4. Sagend: wenn ihr gleich werdet gehn,
Vor königen und fürsten stehn,
So denkt und sorget nicht so sehr,
Wie ihr wollt schützen meine ehr'
Halleluja!

Saying: when ever you will go
to stand before kings and princes,
don’t think and worry
how you will protect my honour.|
Alleluia!

5. Der Geist wird geben eurem mund
Erkenntniß und verstand zur stund',
Daß euch kein' list noch g'walt so groß
Von meines worts bekenntniß stoß.
Halleluja!

The spirit will put in your mouth
knowledge and understanding that time,
so that no cunning nor force
can effect your confession of my word.
Alleluia!

6. Drum lobet nun den tröster werth,
Und schöpfer, welcher Christi heerd
Zum glauben weis‘t, aus irrthum reißt,
Die flamm‘ der lieb‘ in‘s herze geußt.
Halleluja!

Therefore let us praise the comforter
and the creator, he who shows Christ’s flock
the women is way to faith, snatches them away from error,
pours the flames of love in their hearts.
Alleluia!

7. Also mit großem freudenschall
Laßt uns dem Herren singen all;
Der heiligen Dreifaltigkeit
Sagen wir dank in ewigkeit.
Halleluja!

Therefore with loud joyful songs
let us sing to the Lord;
let us forever give thanks
to the holy Trinity.
Alleluia!

--

English Translation by Francis Browne (May 2018)
Contributed by Francis Browne (May 2018)