ABSTRACT
Luke 1:46b–55, traditionally called the Magnificat after the Latin translation of the first word of the passage, is the first of the four canticles in the Lucan infancy narrative. Together with the other three canticles, namely the Benedictus (sung by Zechariah) in 1:68–79, the Gloria in Excelsis (by the heavenly host) in 2:14 and the Nunc Dimittis (by Simeon) in 2:29–32, the Magnificat has played an important part in Christian liturgy and spirituality.
