Luke 1:46-56: Mary’s Magnificat
The Magnificat: Mary’s Song of Praise
A Recap Thus Far: The Annunciation
After the angel’s visit in Luke 1:26-38, Mary’s life was suddenly and dramatically transformed. In that moment, she received the divine announcement that she would conceive and bear a child, not just any child, but the Son of God. This revelation came with great personal and social implications. Mary, a young, unmarried woman, would soon carry a child by the Holy Spirit—an unimaginable and scandalous reality in her time. Yet, her response to the angel’s message was one of submission and faith: “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). In the aftermath of this life-altering encounter, Mary travels to visit her relative Elizabeth, whose own miraculous pregnancy with John the Baptist affirms God’s power at work in both their lives. It is in this context, filled with awe and gratitude for God’s work in her life, that Mary bursts forth into her song of praise, the Magnificat.
Luke 1:46-56: Magnificat Meaning
Mary's prayer is called the Magnificat because the first word of Mary's song in Latin is magnificat, meaning "my soul magnifies" or "my soul exalts." This is from the Latin Vulgate, which was a Latin translation of the Bible primarily done by St. Jerome in the 4th century and became the standard Bible used by the Catholic church for many centuries.
Mary’s prayer is a profound expression of gratitude, praise, and prophecy. In it, Mary not only celebrates her own role in God’s unfolding plan but also offers a glimpse of God’s justice, mercy, and the reversal of worldly values. As we break down each verse, we’ll see how Mary’s song reflects the larger biblical narrative, drawing on themes from the Hebrew Scriptures and pointing to the hope of the Messiah.
Verse 46: “My soul magnifies the Lord”
Mary begins her prayer with a declaration of praise. “My soul magnifies the Lord” (Luke 1:46). The word magnify (Greek: megalynó) suggests that Mary seeks to honor and glorify God in the fullness of her being. This statement echoes the deep connection Mary feels with God’s greatness and her awe at the mystery unfolding within her. She "makes big" or "makes much of" the reality of God.
The Annunciation by Henry Ossawa Tanner and was painted in 1898 and depicts the scene in which the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. Source.
Verse 47: “And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior”
Mary’s joy is not just in her own circumstances but in the salvation God is bringing through her. She recognizes God as her Savior, a term that points to God’s role as the deliverer of Israel and of all humanity. This resonates with the theme of salvation found throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, such as in the Psalms where God is described as the one who saves His people (Psalm 35:9).
Psalm 35:9 – “Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord, exulting in his salvation.”
Verse 48: “For he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.”
Mary acknowledges the humble and lowly position she holds in society. She is a young, unmarried woman from a small town—hardly the one any would expect God to choose for such a pivotal role. Yet, God has chosen her. This mirrors the reversal of expectations that Mary will describe later in the song: God lifts up the lowly and humbles the proud.
Stepping back a moment, let's reflecting on the gospel's first chapter. Zechariah's destiny to serve in the temple was decided by the casting of the lot. His has no heir and his wife Elizabeth's barrenness is reversed though both of them do not have science, biology, or physical ability on their side. Mary, a lowly person in a small town will bear the Lord of All. Shepherds, not kings or princes or political emissaries, will be notified of Jesus' birth next. This IS good news for ALL people. The reversals are all good news.
Verse 49: “For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.”
Mary prophesies that future generations will honor her as the mother of the Savior. Her recognition that all generations will call her “blessed” speaks not to her own worthiness but to God’s favor and grace in choosing her for this extraordinary role. It also links to the promises made to Israel throughout Scripture, where God often raises up unexpected figures to accomplish God's will.
Grace abounds as God fulfills promises through faithful servants in each generation.
Verse 50: “And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.”
Mary celebrates God’s mercy—a mercy that is not just for her, but for all who fear Him. Fear is a sense of high and holy respect, and reverence that leads to obedience. This mercy extends across time and generations, fulfilling the promise made to Israel. It reflects the covenantal faithfulness of God who remembers to keep promises from generation to generation.
Psalm 103:17 – “But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children.”
Verse 51: “He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.”
Mary declares that God has demonstrated his power and strength by scattering the proud and bringing down the mighty. This is a reversal of expectations: the proud, the powerful, and the wealthy are brought low, while the humble are raised up. This theme of God’s judgment on the proud and his exaltation of the humble is found throughout the Hebrew Scriptures.
•1 Samuel 2:1-10 – Hannah’s Prayer
Hannah’s prayer echoes many of the same themes as Mary’s. Like Mary, Hannah rejoices in God’s ability to bring down the mighty and exalt the humble. She praises God for His strength and justice.
Hannah's situation is similar to Elizabeth and Mary's. Hannah is without a child, prays for a son, vows to dedicate him to God's service, and does so. Hannah praises God. Mary, it seems, knows Hannah's song and uses it as a basis for her own exultation.
Verse 52: “He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate.”
This verse echoes the previous one, reinforcing the theme of divine reversal: the mighty are cast down, and the humble are exalted. This is a core aspect of the Magnificat and highlights the kingdom values that Jesus will later preach—values that are the opposite of worldly power structures.
Psalm 113:7-8 – “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people.”
Verse 53: “He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.”
God’s generosity is directed to those in need, not to the rich and powerful. This speaks to God’s concern for justice, mercy, and the poor, a theme throughout Scripture that is particularly important in the Gospels. Mary prophesies that the coming of Jesus will bring about a change in the social order, where the hungry are filled and the rich are sent away empty. The rich are sent away receiving nothing, for they have what they need.
Matthew 5:3 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus’ words in the Beatitudes echo the themes of the Magnificat, focusing on the poor, the humble, and the marginalized.
God continues to care for the poor and disenfranchised. Shall we not also strive to fill the hungry with good things?
Verse 54-55: “He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
Mary concludes her song by reflecting on God’s faithfulness to Israel, remembering the Lord's promises made to the patriarchs. God’s mercy is not only for Mary, but for all of Israel, fulfilling the covenant made with Abraham. Mary sees the birth of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s long-awaited promise to His people.
Genesis 17:7 – “And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.”
Conclusion: A Song of Reversal and Hope
The Magnificat is a deeply theological prayer that celebrates God’s sovereignty, mercy, and justice. Through Mary’s words, we see a vision of the world turned upside down—a vision where the humble are exalted, the mighty are brought low, and the hungry are filled.
The Magnificat calls us to reflect on the ways God is at work in our lives, especially in the unexpected or humble places. It challenges us to embrace God's values of humility, justice, and mercy in our own actions and attitudes.
