English translation of Herr, lehre doch mich

by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "Herr, lehre doch mich", op. 45 no. 3 [ baritone solo, chorus, orchestra ], from Ein deutsches Requiem, no. 3

Note: this is a translation of one multi-text setting.

Herr, lehre doch mich, 
daß ein Ende mit mir haben muß,
und mein Leben ein Ziel hat,
und ich davon muß. 

Siehe, meine Tage sind 
einer Hand breit vor dir, 
und mein Leben ist wie nichts vor dir. 

Herr, lehre doch mich, 
daß ein Ende mit mir haben muß,
und mein Leben ein Ziel hat,
und ich davon muß. 

Ach wie gar nichts sind alle Menschen, 
die doch so sicher leben. 

Sie gehen daher wie ein Schemen, 
und machen ihnen viel vergebliche Unruhe; 
sie sammeln und wissen nicht wer es kriegen wird. 

Ach wie gar nichts sind alle Menschen, 
die doch so sicher leben. 

Nun Herr, wess soll ich mich trösten? 
Ich hoffe auf dich.

Text Authorship:

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Researcher for this page: Ahmed E. Ismail 
Der Gerechten Seelen sind in Gottes Hand 
und keine Qual rühret sie an.

Text Authorship:

  • by Martin Luther (1483 - 1546), Wisdom of Solomon 3:1 [an adaptation]

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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
Author(s): Martin Luther (1483 - 1546), Bible or other Sacred Texts 
Lord, teach me
That I must have an end,
And my life has a purpose,
and I must accept this.

Behold, my days are
as a handbreadth before Thee,
and my life is as nothing before Thee.

Lord, teach me
That I must have an end,
And my life has a purpose,
and I must accept this.

Alas, as nothing are all men,
but so sure the living.

They are therefore like a shadow,
and go about vainly in disquiet;
they collect riches, and do not know who will receive them.

Alas, as nothing are all men,
but so sure the living.

Now, Lord, how can I console myself?
My hope is in Thee.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2010 by Ahmed E. Ismail, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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The righteous souls are in God's hand
and no torment shall stir them.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2010 by Ahmed E. Ismail, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
    Contact: 

Based on:

Based on:

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Translation © by Ahmed E. Ismail