I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess

The quote, “I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess,” is attributed to Martin Luther, a German theologian and key figure in the Protestant Reformation (1483–1546).[](https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/188027-i-have-held-many-things-in-my-hands-and-i)[](https://quote.org/quote/i-have-held-many-things-in-my-716917)[](https://liberlocorumcommunium.blogspot.com/2016/07/i-have-held-many-things-in-my-hands-and.html)

### Source and Meaning

- **Source**: The quote is often cited as originating from a letter Martin Luther wrote to Justus Jonas the Elder around June 29, 1530, from Veste Coburg (Fort Coburg), as referenced in *Weimarer Ausgabe (WA) Briefe V*. However, some sources note that precise citation details may vary, and the quote has appeared in slightly different forms across translations. For example, a variant is recorded as: “I have tried to keep things in my hands and lost them all, but what I have given into God’s hands I still possess.”[](https://liberlocorumcommunium.blogspot.com/2016/07/i-have-held-many-things-in-my-hands-and.html)[](https://liberlocorumcommunium.blogspot.com/2016/07/i-have-held-many-things-in-my-hands-and.html)

- **Meaning**: The quote reflects Luther’s theological perspective on the impermanence of material possessions and the enduring nature of spiritual trust. It emphasizes surrendering control to God, suggesting that worldly things—wealth, status, or possessions—are fleeting and can be lost, but what is entrusted to God (faith, purpose, or spiritual values) remains secure. The message encourages prioritizing spiritual fulfillment and trust in a higher power over the pursuit of temporary, material gains. This aligns with Luther’s broader teachings on faith and reliance on divine grace, as seen in his role in the Reformation, where he challenged the material focus of certain church practices like indulgences.[](https://medium.com/%40chibole/i-have-held-many-things-in-my-hands-and-i-have-lost-them-all-but-whatever-i-have-placed-in-gods-c5b50b41571d)[](https://quotation.io/quote/held-many-things-hands-lost-whatever-placed-223)

### Note on Misattribution

Some sources, such as theysaidso.com, mistakenly attribute this quote to Martin Luther King Jr. However, the majority of credible references, including those tied to Luther’s writings and biography, confirm Martin Luther as the correct author. Always verify attributions with primary sources or reputable collections when possible, as misattributions are common in quote databases.[](https://theysaidso.com/quote/martin-luther-king-jr-i-have-held-many-things-in-my-hands-and-i-have-lost-them-a)