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).