Abstract

This is the first translation of the Magnificat into the Palestinian Aramaic of the time and it casts some light on several features of the hymn which steeped in the biblical culture, but differs from the MT and LXX in the details of its modes of expression, showing at the same time the peculiarity of the composer. The hypothesis of the Aramaic background behind it seems to be the best choice to explain the sometimes irregular Greek, and other striking parts that often confront the exegete; and such an Aramaic chant fits in well with the contents and forms of the prayers of the time, and with requirements of poetry. All its lines together make up one ode to God sung by a woman, who praises his mighty deeds and his way of acting in history, mainly with the haughty and the humble of heart and with the people of the Lord