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The Reformer as Husband – Luther and his Wife (1529, 1534, and 1546)

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2. Martin Luther to his Wife
[Dessau] July 29, 1534


To my kind, dear Master, Lady Katherin von Bora, Mrs. Doctor Luther in Wittenberg

Grace and peace in Christ! Dear Master Kethe! I do not know what to write to you, since Master Philip and all the others are coming home. I must remain here longer for the sake of the pious prince. You may wonder how long I must stay here, or how you might free me. I think that Master Franciscus will set me free again, just as I set him free, but not so quickly. Yesterday I had a vile drink, so that I had to sing: “If I don’t drink well, I am sorry, for I really like to do it.” And I thought about what good wine and beer I have at home, and in addition a beautiful woman, or (should I say) master. And you would do well to send me the entire cellar full of my wine, and a bottle of your beer, as soon as you can. Otherwise I shall not come home before the new beer is ready. I hereby commend you to God, along with all our children and all the servants, Amen.

Wednesday after Jacobi, 1534

Your beloved
Mart. Luther D.



Source of original German text: “Luther an seine Frau. [Dessau] 29. Juli 1534,” in D. Martin Luthers Werke. Weimarer Ausgabe (Sonderedition). Part 3: Briefwechsel. Vol. 7, pp. 91-92.

Translation: Thomas Dunlap

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