Magnificat
The Choir of St. John's College Cambridge & Andrew Nethsingha Lyrics
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And my spirit hath rejoiced in
God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded:
The lowliness of his hand-maiden.
For behold, from henceforth:
All generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath magnified me:And holy is his Name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him:
Throughout all generations.
He hath shewed strength with his arm:
He hath scattered the proud in the
Imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat:
And hath exalted the humble and meek.
He hath filled the hungry with good things:
And the rich he hath sent empty away.
He remembering his mercy hath holpen
His servant Israel:
As he promised to our forefathers,
Abraham and his seed for ever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son:
And to the Holy Ghost
As it was in the beginning, is now,
And ever shall be:
World without end.
Amen.""
These lyrics are a modern interpretation of the biblical passage known as the Magnificat, which is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving. The text is attributed to the Virgin Mary and expresses her profound gratitude and awe towards God for choosing her to bear his son, Jesus Christ. The opening line, "My soul doth magnify the Lord," sets the tone for the entire passage, highlighting the singer's deep reverence for God and his greatness.
The lyrics continue by emphasizing the humility and gratitude of the singer, who refers to herself as a "hand-maiden" and acknowledges God's mercy towards those who fear him. The text also speaks of God's power and ability to humble the proud and lift up the humble. It emphasizes God's justice, showing strength against the arrogant and providing for the needy while sending the rich away empty-handed.
The passage then reflects on God's faithfulness and mercy towards his people, specifically mentioning his promises to Abraham and his descendants. This serves as a reminder of God's enduring love and commitment to his people throughout generations. The final lines invoke the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost) and affirm the eternal nature of God's glory and presence in the world.
Overall, these lyrics from the Magnificat convey a profound sense of reverence, gratitude, and awe towards God's power, mercy, and faithfulness. The text celebrates the transformative nature of God's actions, from lifting up the lowly to fulfilling promises made to his people. It serves as a powerful declaration of faith and praise, highlighting the ongoing presence of God's love and grace in the lives of believers.
Line by Line Meaning
My soul doth magnify the Lord:
I deeply celebrate and honor the greatness of God.
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
My innermost being finds profound joy and fulfillment in my relationship with God, who saves me.
For he hath regarded:
Because He has taken notice and shown consideration for me.
The lowliness of his hand-maiden.
He acknowledges the humble status of His servant, reflecting my modest position in society.
For behold, from henceforth:
Indeed, starting from this moment onward:
All generations shall call me blessed.
Future generations will recognize and honor me as favored by God.
For he that is mighty hath magnified me:
For the all-powerful One has elevated my significance and status.
And holy is his Name.
And His name is sacred and worthy of reverence.
And his mercy is on them that fear him:
His compassion is bestowed upon those who revere and respect Him.
Throughout all generations.
This mercy extends across all ages and times.
He hath shewed strength with his arm:
He has demonstrated His power by acting decisively.
He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has disbursed the arrogant, disrupting their lofty thoughts and presumptions.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat:
He has dethroned the powerful from their positions of authority.
And hath exalted the humble and meek.
And He has elevated those who are modest and gentle.
He hath filled the hungry with good things:
He has satisfied those in need with abundance and nourishment.
And the rich he hath sent empty away.
And He has left the affluent unsatisfied and lacking.
He remembering his mercy hath holpen
He, in remembrance of His kindness, has assisted
His servant Israel:
His chosen people, Israel, in their time of need.
As he promised to our forefathers,
In fulfillment of the commitments made to our ancestors,
Abraham and his seed for ever.
To Abraham and his descendants throughout all eternity.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son:
Honour and praise be given to the Father and to the Son.
And to the Holy Ghost
And to the Holy Spirit as well.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
As it has always been from the start, and continues to be at present,
And ever shall be:
And shall continue to be for all time ahead:
World without end.
In a timeless realm that knows no end.
Amen.
So be it; a declaration of affirmation and truth.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Bryan Kelly
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind