Magnificat

My soul doth magnify the Lord

The Magnificat expresses radical trust in God's redemptive work and demonstrates how Mary understands her role within salvation history. It emphasizes God's preferential option for the humble and powerless while celebrating the fulfillment of Old Testament messianic promises.

History & Background

The Magnificat is Mary's canticle of praise recorded in Luke 1:46-55 as her response to Elizabeth's greeting. It has been incorporated into Christian liturgy since the early Church and is a central element of Vespers and Evening Prayer.

Hymnal Appearances

Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 249
Glory to God — 99
The Hymnal 1982 — 437
Lutheran Book of Worship — 180
Lutheran Service Book — 924
Lutheran Worship — 26
New Century Hymnal — 119
The Lutheran Hymnal — 26
United Methodist Hymnal — 199
With One Voice — 642

Translation

King James Version translators (primary English source)

Bulletin Note

Luke's account of Mary's song, sung by the Church since the early centuries. The Magnificat declares God's preferential love for the humble and proclaims the fulfillment of Old Testament promises—a revolutionary hymn of grace and justice united.

Preaching Connection

The Magnificat transforms personal gratitude into prophetic proclamation: how does Mary's reversal of worldly power structures—exalting the lowly, sending the rich away empty—both judge our pride and proclaim the Gospel of God's liberating grace?

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From individual humility and blessing (stanzas 1-2) to cosmic reversal of power structures through divine mercy (stanzas 3-4)

Themes

Redemption and salvation God's mercy and grace Reversal of worldly status Marian devotion Eschatological hope