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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"I am the Lord's maidservant," Mary replied; "may it be with me in accordance with your words!" And then the angel left her.
and as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the babe leapt within her. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and uttered a loud cry of joy. "Blest among women are you," she said, "and the offspring of your body is blest!
and uttered a loud cry of joy. "Blest among women are you," she said, "and the offspring of your body is blest! But why is this honour done me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
But why is this honour done me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, the moment your greeting reached my ears, the babe within me leapt for joy.
For, the moment your greeting reached my ears, the babe within me leapt for joy. And blessed is she who has believed, for the word spoken to her from the Lord shall be fulfilled."
And blessed is she who has believed, for the word spoken to her from the Lord shall be fulfilled."
And blessed is she who has believed, for the word spoken to her from the Lord shall be fulfilled." Then Mary said: "My soul extols the Lord,
Then Mary said: "My soul extols the Lord, And my spirit triumphs in God my Saviour;
And my spirit triumphs in God my Saviour; Because He has not turned from His maidservant in her lowly position; For from this time forward all generations will account me happy,
Because He has not turned from His maidservant in her lowly position; For from this time forward all generations will account me happy,
Because He has not turned from His maidservant in her lowly position; For from this time forward all generations will account me happy, Because the mighty One has done great things for me--Holy is His name!--
Because the mighty One has done great things for me--Holy is His name!-- And His compassion is, generation after generation, Upon those who fear Him. read more. He has manifested His supreme strength. He has scattered those who were haughty in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has manifested His supreme strength. He has scattered those who were haughty in the thoughts of their hearts. He has cast monarchs down from their thrones, And exalted men of low estate.
He has cast monarchs down from their thrones, And exalted men of low estate. The hungry He has satisfied with choice gifts, But the rich He has sent empty-handed away.
The hungry He has satisfied with choice gifts, But the rich He has sent empty-handed away. His servant Israel He has helped, Remembering His compassion--
His servant Israel He has helped, Remembering His compassion-- In fulfillment of His promises to our forefathers--For Abraham and his posterity for ever."
In fulfillment of His promises to our forefathers--For Abraham and his posterity for ever."
In fulfillment of His promises to our forefathers--For Abraham and his posterity for ever."
And Zechariah his father was filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke in a rapture of praise.