Magnificat
TextsWhat is the meaning of Magnificat in the Bible?
The Magnificat is the name given to the hymn of Mary in Luke 1:46-55, commencing 'My soul doth magnify the Lord.' The hymn is modeled in part on that of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1 ff and is peculiarly suitable to the circumstances of Mary.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Magnificat serves as a primary source for understanding the theological emphasis on God's preferential care for the marginalized within the earliest Christian community, offering readers a lens through which to interpret the social and spiritual dynamics of the Gospel narrative.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Magnificat functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Magnificat in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Magnificat clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Luke 1:46-551 Samuel 2:1
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Magnificat." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/magnificat/