Luke 1:46-56
46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” 56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
Luke 1:46-56: Verse-by-Verse Analysis
Verse 46: “And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord'”
Mary begins her song of praise, often called the Magnificat, by glorifying the Lord. She acknowledges God’s greatness and sets the tone for the rest of her hymn.
Verse 47: “and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,”
Mary expresses deep joy in God, recognizing Him as her Savior. This shows her personal relationship with God and her understanding of His role in her life.
Verse 48: “for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,”
Mary acknowledges her humble status and marvels at God’s attention to her. She prophesies that future generations will recognize her blessedness.
Verse 49: “for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.”
Mary attributes the great things happening to her to the Mighty One, God. She emphasizes His holiness, acknowledging His divine nature.
Verse 50: “His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.”
Mary speaks of God’s enduring mercy. She highlights that His mercy is available to those who revere Him, spanning across all generations.
Verse 51: “He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.”
Mary recounts God’s powerful actions. She notes that God opposes the proud, scattering them and their plans.
Verse 52: “He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.”
Mary contrasts God’s treatment of the powerful and the humble. He dethrones rulers but elevates the humble, showing His justice and mercy.
Verse 53: “He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.”
Mary continues to highlight God’s justice. He provides for the needy while the rich, who rely on their wealth, are left wanting.
Verse 54: “He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful”
Mary acknowledges God’s help to Israel. She emphasizes His mercy, which He has not forgotten.
Verse 55: “to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”
Mary connects God’s mercy to His covenant with Abraham. She underscores the fulfillment of God’s promises to the patriarchs.
Verse 56: “Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.”
The passage concludes with a note on Mary’s stay with Elizabeth. This detail grounds the Magnificat in the context of her visit.