This edition was prepared by Gary D. Cannon — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf, BWV 226
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets
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6 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
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Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf, BWV 226 by Johann Sebastian Bach — Lyrics
Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf,
denn wir wissen nicht,
was wir beten sollen,
wie sich’s gebühret;
sondern der Geist selbst vertritt uns aufs beste
mit unaussprechlichem Seufzen.
Coro I.II
Der aber die Herzen forschet, der weiß,
was des Geistes Sinn sei;
denn er vertritt die Heiligen nach dem,
das Gott gefället.
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About Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf, BWV 226
This motet, Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf, BWV 226, by Johann Sebastian Bach, is a profound exploration of the Holy Spirit's intercession. Scored for double choir (SATB.SATB), it draws from Romans 8:26-27 and a Lutheran chorale. The text expresses human weakness in prayer, the Spirit's ineffable advocacy, and a plea for divine strength and steadfastness in faith amidst trials. Bach's masterful writing for two choirs creates a rich, complex texture, amplifying the theological depth of the message. It is particularly suited for services focused on the Holy Spirit, Pentecost, or times when congregational support and spiritual guidance are emphasized. The motet's powerful setting of the German text would resonate deeply in a sacred context.
