Philipp Nicolai (10 August 1556 – 26 October 1608) was a notable German Lutheran pastor, poet, and composer, primarily recognized for his contributions as a hymnodist. Born in Mengeringhausen, Waldeck, he was the son of a Lutheran pastor and pursued theological studies at the University of Erfurt under Ludwig Helmbold. Nicolai was ordained in 1583 and initially served as a minister in Herdecke, though he was expelled during the Counter-Reformation. He later served as pastor in Altwildungen, Unna, and finally at St. Catherine's Church in Hamburg.

Nicolai is best remembered for his hymns "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme" and "Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern," which have been influential in the realm of sacred music, inspiring works by composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach. These hymns are often referred to as the King and Queen of Chorales. Nicolai's life was marked by religious conflict and the devastation of the plague, which claimed many of his parishioners. His book "Freudenspiegel des ewigen Lebens" was a source of consolation during these times. Nicolai passed away in Hamburg and is commemorated in the Lutheran liturgical calendar on 26 October.