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
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Then Mary said, "I am the Lord's slave. May what you say take place with me." Then the angel left her.
When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped within her. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and with a loud shout she said: "Blessed are you among women, And blessed is your child!
and with a loud shout she said: "Blessed are you among women, And blessed is your child! Why is this privilege mine, to have the mother of my Lord come to me?
Why is this privilege mine, to have the mother of my Lord come to me? For as soon as your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped for joy within me!
For as soon as your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped for joy within me! Blessed is she who has believed, for what is promised to her by the Lord will be fulfilled."
Blessed is she who has believed, for what is promised to her by the Lord will be fulfilled."
Blessed is she who has believed, for what is promised to her by the Lord will be fulfilled." Then Mary said: "My soul extols the Lord;
Then Mary said: "My soul extols the Lord; my spirit exults in God my Saviour;
my spirit exults in God my Saviour; for He has smiled upon His slave in her lowly station, for from this day all ages will count me happy!
for He has smiled upon His slave in her lowly station, for from this day all ages will count me happy!
for He has smiled upon His slave in her lowly station, for from this day all ages will count me happy! For the Almighty has done wonders for me, and holy is His name!
For the Almighty has done wonders for me, and holy is His name! He shows His mercy from age to age to those who fear him. read more. He has done mighty deeds with His arm. He has scattered those that are proud in the purpose of their hearts.
He has done mighty deeds with His arm. He has scattered those that are proud in the purpose of their hearts. He has dethroned monarchs and exalted the poor.
He has dethroned monarchs and exalted the poor. He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands.
He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. He has helped His servant Israel, so as to remember mercy,
He has helped His servant Israel, so as to remember mercy, as He promised our forefathers, Abraham and his descendants forever."
as He promised our forefathers, Abraham and his descendants forever."
as He promised our forefathers, Abraham and his descendants forever."
Now his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he uttered the following prophecy: