Reference: Magnificat
Hastings
The hymn Magnificat (Lu 1:46-55) has been well described as 'something more than a psalm, and something less than a complete Christian hymn' (Liddon). It is the poem of one who felt nearer to the fulfilment of the promises than any writer of the OT. But no Evangelist of the NT could have failed to speak of Christ by His human name, writing after His Death and Resurrection.
In the TR the hymn is ascribed to the Virgin Mary, but there is a variant reading 'Elisabeth' which demands some explanation. 'Mary' is the reading of all the Greek MSS, of the great majority of Latin MSS, and of many Early Fathers as far back as Tertullian (2nd cent.). On the other hand, three Old Latin MSS (cod. Vercellensis, cod. Veronensis, cod. Rhedigeranus-Vratislaviensis) have 'Elisabeth.' This reading was known to Origen (Hom. 5 on Lu 5), unless his translator Jerome interpolated the reference. Niceta of Remesiana (fl. c. 400) quoted it in his treatise 'On the good of Psalmody.' We can trace it back to the 3rd cent in the translation of Iren
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then said Mary, "behold the servant of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word." upon which the angel disappeared.
no sooner had Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, but the babe leap'd within her: and Elizabeth divinely inspired, broke out into this acclamation.
and Elizabeth divinely inspired, broke out into this acclamation. "Blessed mother of the most blessed offspring! what an honour is this, that I should be visited by the mother of our Lord!
"Blessed mother of the most blessed offspring! what an honour is this, that I should be visited by the mother of our Lord! no sooner did the sound of your salutation strike mine ear, than the babe leap'd within me for joy.
no sooner did the sound of your salutation strike mine ear, than the babe leap'd within me for joy. blessed is she that has believed; for what she has heard from the Lord, shall be accomplished."
blessed is she that has believed; for what she has heard from the Lord, shall be accomplished."
blessed is she that has believed; for what she has heard from the Lord, shall be accomplished." Then Mary said, "my soul doth magnify the Lord,
Then Mary said, "my soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my saviour,
and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my saviour, for he hath regarded the low estate of his servant: and future ages shall proclaim me blessed.
for he hath regarded the low estate of his servant: and future ages shall proclaim me blessed.
for he hath regarded the low estate of his servant: and future ages shall proclaim me blessed. the almighty hath distinguish'd me by the greatest marks of favour: his name be for ever reverenc'd.
the almighty hath distinguish'd me by the greatest marks of favour: his name be for ever reverenc'd. his mercy is on them that fear him, from generation to generation. read more. he hath displayed the strength of his arm, and has confounded the proud by the devices of their hearts.
he hath displayed the strength of his arm, and has confounded the proud by the devices of their hearts. he has cast down princes from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree,
he has cast down princes from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree, the needy he has furnished with plentiful enjoyments, and the rich he has reduced to poverty.
the needy he has furnished with plentiful enjoyments, and the rich he has reduced to poverty. he has taken Israel his servant into his protection, in pursuance of the mercy,
he has taken Israel his servant into his protection, in pursuance of the mercy, which he promised to our forefathers, to Abraham, and to his posterity for ever."
which he promised to our forefathers, to Abraham, and to his posterity for ever."
which he promised to our forefathers, to Abraham, and to his posterity for ever."
Then Zacharias his father, inspired by the holy spirit, vented his divine enthusiasm in these words.