Chapter

Luke 1:49

ESV for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
NIV for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.
NASB For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name.
CSB because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and his name is holy.
NLT For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.
KJV For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
NKJV For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name.

What does Luke 1:49 mean?

When the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary (Luke 1:26–27), he made references to prophetic statements about the Messiah (Isaiah 9:6–7; 2 Samuel 7:12–16). His description of Jesus Christ (Luke 1:31–33) was not lost on Mary. Not only did she respond in humility and faith (Luke 1:28), but she also seems to have grasped the meaning of the angel's words. As she celebrates the news with her relative, Elizabeth (Luke 1:39–42), Mary demonstrates familiarity with Scripture. Her song of praise—sometimes called "The Magnificat"—includes many quotes and allusions to the Old Testament (Luke 1:46–55).

In the early part of her speech, Mary humbly worshipped God for His role as her Savior (Luke 1:46–47). Her words echoed some of Hannah's prayer to God, as she asked for a child in 1 Samuel 1:11 and celebrated an answer to prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1. Here, she again gives all credit for this miracle to God. She acknowledges God's power (Psalm 50:1; 62:7; 106:2) and holiness (Exodus 15:11; Leviticus 20:26; Psalm 99:5).

As this song continues, Mary will speak of God's use of the Messiah in the present tense. This is a common technique in psalms, in prophecy, and in praise of God. That which He promises to do will certainly be done—His decree is a guarantee. Many of God's messages declare his future acts as if they were already happening. In a similar way, Mary's celebration of Messiah's influence takes on the "as good as done" tone.
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