The Magnificat is so called because of the Latin translation of v. 47 which begins with the word "magnificat." Verses 46 and 56 include it within the context of Mary's visit to Elizabeth. Specifically, with v. 46, the Magnificat becomes a response to the question of Elizabeth in v. 43. I divide it into four stanzas:

• Stanza 1 -- vv.47-48a
• Stanza 2 -- vv. 48b-50
• Stanza 3 -- vv. 51-53
• Stanza 4 -- vv. 54-55

Luke 1:39-45 is traditionally called "Mary's Visit to Elizabeth" and is tied up with the Luke 1:46-56, "The Magnificat" through v. 46, the response of Mary to Elizabeth's salutation (vv. 42-45) and v. 56 which concludes the section by telling us of Mary's leaving Elizabeth after three months. Luke 1:39 introduces the narrative, breaking off from 1:38; 1:57 introduces the narrative of the birth of the Baptist.