Israel Kolmodin

Israel Kolmodin ( born December 24, 1643 Enköping, † April 19, 1709 in Visby ) was a Swedish Lutheran theologian. He is especially known as a hymn writer.

Kolmodin, son of a clergyman, studied at the universities of Uppsala and Lund. After ordination in 1674, he traveled for several years abroad. After his return he became in 1679 curate at the cathedral in Uppsala and 1680 Adjunct at the University, where he rose to associate professor in 1686. In the diets of 1678, 1680 and 1682 he worked as a notary of the priest class. Together with Erik Benzelius Elder and Jesper Swedberg he worked in the Commission on the revision of the Swedish hymn book, 1691-1692 and in the Commission on the revision of Bible translation. 1692, he became superintendent in Visby and had thus episcopal powers for the Swedish island of Gotland only since 1645 that still nominally belonged to the diocese of Linköping. In this office he held until his death, he fought for the scientific and economic promotion of the pastor. In addition, however, he was always in church affairs in Stockholm or Uppsala. In 1693 he became a Doctor of Theology in Uppsala. doctorate.

Kolmodin translated hymns from German and wrote their own songs, four of which were included in the hymnals of 1694 and 1695. His most famous song The blomstertid nu commercial is sung traditionally until today in Swedish schools at the beginning of the summer holidays. Kolmodins authorship however, has been called into question.