About Martin Rinkart
Lived 1586 – 1649 (aged 63). Martin Rinkart was a German theologian, composer, writer, cantor, deacon and parson.
Martin Rinkart, or Rinckart (23 April 1586, Eilenburg – 8 December 1649) was a German Lutheran clergyman and hymnist. He is best known for the text to "Nun danket alle Gott" ("Now thank we all our God") which was written c. 1636. It was set to music by Johann Crüger about 1647, and translated into English in the 19th century by Catherine Winkworth.
Rinkart was a deacon at Eisleben and archdeacon at Eilenburg, where he was born and also died. He served there during the Thirty Years' War and a severe plague in 1637.
Hymns Nun danket alle Gott (Now thank we all our God) 'Rinkart' is the name of a tune written by Johann Sebastian Bach for the hymn 'Christ is the world's true Light' by G. W. Briggs (New English Hymnal 494).
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Martin Rinkart?
German clergyman and hymnist
When was Martin Rinkart born?
Martin Rinkart was born on 23 April 1586 in Eilenburg.
When did Martin Rinkart die?
Martin Rinkart died on 8 December 1649 in Eilenburg.
What was Martin Rinkart's occupation?
Martin Rinkart was a theologian, composer, writer, cantor, deacon and parson.
What nationality was Martin Rinkart?
Martin Rinkart was German.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Martin Rinkart. https://biography.guide/martin-rinkart/
MLA: "Martin Rinkart." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/martin-rinkart/.
Chicago: "Martin Rinkart." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/martin-rinkart/.
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