Chorale Texts used in Bach's Vocal Works
Straf mich nicht in deinem Zorn
Text and Translation of Chorale

Ref. in hymnals/hymn books: EKG 176, ELH 454
Author: Johann Georg Albinus (1694), based on based this German verse on Psalm 6
Chorale Melody: Straf mich nicht in deinem Zorn (Zahn 6274a) | Composer: Anon (1681)
Theme:

Description:

"Straf mich nicht in deinem Zorn" (Do not punish me in your anger) is a Lutheran hymn. Johann Georg Albinus, a Lutheran minister in Naumburg, wrote the lyrics in seven stanzas. He paraphrased Psalm 6, which begins in the King James Version "O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure." (Psalms 6). The song was included in 31 hymnals.
The hymn was translated several times, including Catherine Winkworth's "Not in anger, Mighty God", which appeared in 13 hymnals.
The melody was a dance tune in a manuscript dating from 1681 at the latest; it was printed with the sacred text in the collection Hundert ahnmutig- und sonderbar geistlicher Arien ("One hundred charming and remarkably spiritual Airs"), printed in Dresden in 1694. The melody, known by the name "Wurttemburg", is sung in Anglican churches to the words Christ the Lord Is Risen Again! The melody inspired musical settings both for organ and vocal works.
Source: Wikipedia (August 10, 2018)

Vocal Works by J.S. Bach:

The hymn was not used by J.S. Bach in his vocal works. However, J.S. Bach used the melody with the different hymn text "Mache dich, mein Geist, bereit" by Johann Burchard Freystein in his chorale cantata Mache dich, mein Geist, bereit, BWV 115, changing the meter from common time to 6/8 in the opening chorale fantasia.[4]

German Text (verses in bold print set by Bach)

English Translation

1. Straf mich nicht in deinem Zorn,
Großer Gott, verschone;
Ach lass mich nicht sein verlorn,
Nach Verdienst nicht lohne.
Hat die Sünd
dich entzündt,
Lass um Christi willen
Deinen Zorn sich stillen.

1. Not in anger, mighty God,
Not in anger smite us;
We must perish if Thy rod
Justly should requite us.
We are nought,
Sin hath brought,
Lord, thy wrath upon us,
Yet have mercy on us!

2. Herr: wer denkt im Tode dein,
Wer dankt in der Höllen?
Rette mich aus jener Pein
Der verdammten Seelen,
Dass ich dir
für und für
Dort an jenem Tage,
Höchster Gott, Lob sage.

3. Zeig mir deine Vaterhuld,
stärk mit Trost mich Schwachen;
ach Herr, hab mit mir Geduld,
wollst gesund mich machen.
Heil die Seel
mit dem Öl
deiner großen Gnaden,
wend ab allen Schaden.

3. Show me now a Father's love,
And His tender patience,
Heal my wounded soul, remove
These too sore temptations!
I am weak,
Father, speak
Thou of peace and gladness,
Comfort Thou my sadness.

4. Ach sieh mein´ Gebeine an,
wie sie all erstarren;
meine Seele gar nicht kann
deiner Hilfe harren.
Ich verschmacht,
Tag und Nacht
muß mein Lager fließen
von den Tränengüssen.

5. Ach ich bin so müd und matt
von den schweren Plagen;
mein Herz ist der Seufzer satt,
die nach Hilfe fragen.
Wie so lang
machst du bang
meiner armen Seele
in der Schwermutshöhle!

5. Weary am I of my pain,
Weary with my sorrow,
Sighing still for help in vain,
Longing for the morrow;
Why wilt Thou
Tarry now?
Wilt Thou friendless leave me,
And of hope bereave me?

6. Weicht, ihr Feinde, weicht von mir,
Gott erhört mein Beten.
Nunmehr darf ich mit Begier
vor sein Antlitz treten.
Teufel, weich!
Hölle fleuch!
Was mich je gekränket,
hat mir Gott geschenket.

6. Hence, ye foes! He comes in grace,
God hath deign'd to hear me;
I may come before His face,
He is inly near me;
He o'erthrows
All my foes,
Death and hell are vanquish'd
In Whose bonds I languish'd.

7. Vater, dir sei ewig Preis
hier und auch dort oben,
wie auch Christus gleicherweis,
der allzeit zu loben;
heilger Geist,
sei gepreist,
hoch gerühmt, geehret,
dass du mich erhöret.

7. Father, hymns to Thee we raise,
Here and once in heaven!
And the Son and spirit praise,
Who our bonds have riven;
Evermore
We adore
Thee whose grace hath stirr'd us,
And whose pity heard us.

Source of German Text: Wikipedia
English Translation: Catherine Winkworth (1863) | Source of English Translation: Catherine Winkworth: Chorale Book for England (London: Longman, Green, Longman, Roberts and Green, 1865), No. 41, on Hymnary.org
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (November 2018)