“Be Still, My Soul” is a Christian hymn that offers comfort and assurance in times of sorrow and uncertainty.
The original German text, “Stille, mein Wille, dein Jesus hilft siegen,” was written by Katharina Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel in the 18th century.
It was translated into English by Jane Laurie Borthwick in 1855. The hymn is most often set to the melody of Finlandia, composed by Jean Sibelius.
Its lyrics emphasize trusting in God’s guidance and peace, even in the midst of trials.
About the Author
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1697 |
| Death Year (est.) | 1797 |
Katharina Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel was born in Germany. Little is known about her early life, but she is believed to have been associated with the Lutheran pietist movement and may have lived in a Protestant women’s community.
Her writings focus on deep spiritual devotion and a strong trust in God, typical of the pietistic tradition.
Though not much is recorded about her personal history, Katharina’s poetic and reflective mind shines through in her hymns.
Her most well-known hymn, “Stille, mein Wille, dein Jesus hilft siegen,” was written in the mid-18th century and later translated into English as “Be Still, My Soul” by Jane Laurie Borthwick. This hymn is treasured for its calm assurance, rich faith, and comforting message. It encourages believers to rest in God’s unchanging grace during life’s trials.
About the Translator
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1813 |
| Death Year (est.) | 1897 |
Jane Laurie Borthwick was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. She was the daughter of James Borthwick, a successful merchant, and was raised in a deeply religious and cultured environment.
Jane spent most of her life in Scotland, where she devoted herself to Christian service, writing, and the promotion of sacred music.
Alongside her sister Sarah Borthwick Findlater, Jane became known for translating German hymns into English, making rich European devotional literature accessible to English-speaking churches.
She had a thoughtful and poetic mind, and her strong faith shaped her literary work. Her most famous translation is “Be Still, My Soul.”
Jane’s translations are cherished for their clarity, lyrical beauty, and deep spiritual warmth. They continue to bring comfort and hope to worshippers around the world.
Representative Text
Be still, my soul! the Lord is on your side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide;
In ev’ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul! your best, your heav’nly friend
Thru’ thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul! your God does undertake
To guide the future as he has the past;
Your hope, your confidence, let nothing shake;
all now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul! the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while he lived below.
Be still, my soul! when dearest friends depart
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shall you better know his love, his heart,
Who comes to soothe your sorrow and your fears.
Be still, my soul! your Jesus can repay
From his own fullness all he takes away.
Be still, my soul! the hour is hast’ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still my soul! when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
