Chapter

Luke 1:48

ESV for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
NIV for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,
NASB For He has had regard for the humble state of His bond-servant; For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
CSB because he has looked with favor on the humble condition of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed,
NLT For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
KJV For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
NKJV For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.

What does Luke 1:48 mean?

This is part of Mary's extended song of praise, sometimes called "The Magnificat" (Luke 1:46–55). She is rejoicing along with her relative, Elizabeth (Luke 1:39–42), over the impending birth of Jesus Christ (Luke 1:31–33). Mary began this praise by extolling God (Luke 1:46). She also made a clear, humble profession of God's role as her Savior (Luke 1:47). Much of her speech reflects Old Testament passages and themes.

Psalmists and other writers often celebrate God for paying attention to weak, broken, hurting people (Psalm 136:23; 138:6). Though the world pays attention to the rich and influential, God notices those the world ignores. Mary's reference to herself as a servant echoes the prayer of Hannah (1 Samuel 1:11), who would become the mother of the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 2:1–10).

Both the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:30) and Elizabeth (Luke 1:42) noted that Mary was specially blessed by God through her role in His incarnation. Mary seems to understand that bearing the Son of God is a profound honor, and responsibility. As she predicts here, generations ever since have noted that privilege. Even in Mary's own earthly life, those who valued the ministry of Jesus noted that she had been blessed by her role as His mother (Luke 11:27).
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