Who is the handmaid referred to in Bach's "Quia Respexit"?

Question

If you could explain the meaning of the entire Magnificat that would be helpful. Is this a text from the old testiment?

Answer 1

It's Mary's response to the anunciation. And she is the handmaiden.

Answer 2

The music was commissioned by the church, like most of Bach's works. So it's highly likely that it was based on a story, a verse or a psalm from the bible.

Because the verse was originally written in Latin you might have a better chance of finding out by asking someone who has studied Latin.

Sorry I can't be more helpful.