📖 Biblical Definition
A canticle is a Scripture-text song other than the Psalms, used in liturgical worship. Old Testament canticles include the Song of Moses after the Red Sea (Exodus 15), the Song of Hannah after Samuel’s birth (1 Samuel 2), the Song of Habakkuk closing his prophecy (Habakkuk 3), and the Song of Deborah (Judges 5). New Testament canticles, all from Luke 1-2, are the church’s most singable: the Magnificat of Mary (Luke 1:46-55), the Benedictus of Zechariah (Luke 1:67-79), the Nunc Dimittis of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32), and the Gloria in Excelsis of the angels (Luke 2:14). Reformed worship traditions retain them in metrical settings.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
A Scripture-text song other than the Psalms, used in liturgical worship.
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CANTICLE, n. A song; a little song; a hymn.
The historic Christian Office uses the New Testament canticles daily: Magnificat at evening prayer, Benedictus at morning prayer, Nunc Dimittis at compline (night prayer). The Old Testament canticles supplement on special occasions.
📖 Key Scripture
Exodus 15:1 — "Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD."
1 Samuel 2:1 — "And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD."
Luke 1:46 — "And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord."
Luke 2:29 — "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christian song repertoire is heavy on contemporary writing and light on biblical canticles; recovery deepens the household's singing.
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The household that sings the Magnificat at evening, the Benedictus in the morning, and the Nunc Dimittis before bed has pressed three of the New Testament's own songs into daily use. The advantage: Scripture itself shapes the soul through the music.
Recover canticles in family worship and congregational liturgy. Even simple settings of the Magnificat, learned by heart, give the household biblical words at hand for the moments of joy and grief and ordinary day.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Latin canticulum, little song.
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Latin canticulum — little song; from canere, to sing.
Note: the Song of Solomon's Latin title is Canticum Canticorum (Song of Songs).
Usage
"Magnificat at evening, Benedictus in the morning, Nunc Dimittis before bed — three biblical songs daily."
"Scripture itself shapes the soul through the music."
"Even simple settings learned by heart deepen the household."