Luke 1:46

KJV

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Mary {G3137} said {G2036}, My {G3450} soul {G5590} doth magnify {G3170} the Lord {G2962},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Miryam said, "My soul magnifies ADONAI;

Berean Standard Bible

Then Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord,

American Standard Version

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:46 initiates Mary's profound song of praise, traditionally known as the Magnificat, capturing her immediate and heartfelt response to the divine favor bestowed upon her—the miraculous conception of the Son of God. This verse reveals Mary's deep spiritual insight and unreserved devotion, expressing from the depths of her being an exaltation of God's inherent greatness and sovereign character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 1:46 immediately follows the pivotal encounter between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth. After Gabriel's annunciation of Jesus's birth to Mary ([Luke 1:26-38](/luke/1-26-38 "Luke 1:26-38 - The Annunciation to Mary")), Mary travels to visit Elizabeth, who is also miraculously pregnant with John the Baptist ([Luke 1:39-40](/luke/1-39-40 "Luke 1:39-40 - Mary Visits Elizabeth")). Upon Mary's arrival, Elizabeth, "filled with the Holy Spirit," greets her with prophetic words, acknowledging Mary as "blessed among women" and the mother of her Lord, even before Jesus's birth ([Luke 1:41-45](/luke/1-41-45 "Luke 1:41-45 - Elizabeth's Spirit-Filled Greeting")). Mary's song, beginning with this verse, is her Spirit-inspired, spontaneous, and deeply theological response to Elizabeth's prophetic affirmation and the extraordinary divine favor she has received. It serves as a bridge, transitioning from the personal annunciation to a broader declaration of God's redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, women's songs of praise often marked significant divine interventions, such as Miriam's song after the Red Sea crossing ([Exodus 15:20-21](/exodus/15-20-21 "Exodus 15:20-21 - Miriam's Song")), Deborah's song of victory ([Judges 5](/judges/5 "Judges 5 - The Song of Deborah")), and especially Hannah's prayer after the birth of Samuel ([1 Samuel 2:1-10](/1_samuel/2-1-10 "1 Samuel 2:1-10 - Hannah's Prayer")). Mary, a young, humble woman from Nazareth, would have been steeped in the Scriptures and familiar with these traditions. Her song aligns with a long-standing pattern of prophetic utterance and worship from the marginalized, underscoring God's consistent choice to work through the humble and overlooked. Her praise reflects a deep understanding of God's covenant faithfulness to Israel, particularly in a time of Roman occupation and messianic expectation, where the hope for divine intervention was paramount.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 1:46 introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout [the Gospel of Luke](/luke/1 "The Gospel of Luke - Introduction") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Heartfelt Praise and Worship**, demonstrating that true worship stems from the innermost being in response to God's mighty acts. Secondly, it sets the stage for the theme of **God's Reversal of Fortunes**, where the humble are exalted and the proud are brought low, a motif that Mary elaborates on in the subsequent verses of the Magnificat ([Luke 1:52-53](/luke/1-52-53 "Luke 1:52-53 - God Exalts the Humble")). Thirdly, the verse underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Covenant Faithfulness**, as Mary's praise is rooted in her conviction that God is actively fulfilling His ancient promises to Israel through the unexpected means of her humble person. This initial declaration of magnifying the Lord encapsulates Mary's profound theological insight into God's character and His unfolding redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** This verb, G2036, signifies to "speak or say by word or writing." In this context, it emphasizes that Mary's response was an articulate, verbal declaration, not merely an internal thought. It highlights the intentionality and public nature of her praise, an immediate and Spirit-prompted utterance in response to Elizabeth's Spirit-filled greeting.
* **soul (Greek, _psychḗ'_):** G5590 refers to the "breath," and by implication, the "spirit" or "the animal sentient principle." In biblical anthropology, _psychē_ often denotes the seat of emotions, will, and intellect—the innermost being or life principle of a person. When Mary says "My soul," she is expressing a total, holistic, and deeply personal engagement in her act of worship, involving her entire inner self, not just her lips or mind. It is a profound, all-encompassing devotion.
* **magnify (Greek, _megalýnō'_):** G3170 means "to make (or declare) great," "to increase," or "to extol." This word does not imply that Mary literally makes God larger or more powerful, as God is already infinitely great. Rather, it signifies her act of proclaiming, exalting, and making manifest God's existing greatness, power, and glory through her words and spirit. It is an act of acknowledging and celebrating His inherent majesty and demonstrating His greatness to others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Mary said":** This phrase signals the commencement of Mary's inspired response. Following Elizabeth's Spirit-filled blessing, Mary's immediate verbal outpouring demonstrates her deep faith and spiritual receptivity. It is not merely a polite reply but a divinely prompted declaration, indicating the profound impact of God's work in her life and the Holy Spirit's enablement.
* **"My soul doth magnify":** This clause reveals the depth and nature of Mary's praise. The "soul" (_psychē_) signifies her innermost being—her emotions, will, and intellect—all engaged in this act of worship. To "magnify" (_megalýnō_) means to declare God's greatness, to extol Him, and to make His majesty visible and known. It is an act of profound adoration, recognizing and proclaiming God's inherent glory and power from the core of her existence.
* **"the Lord":** This refers to God, the sovereign Master and supreme authority (_kýrios_). Mary's praise is directed specifically to the one true God, acknowledging His absolute dominion and His active involvement in human affairs, particularly in the unfolding of His redemptive plan through her. This designation underscores the theological weight of her song, rooting her personal experience in the broader narrative of God's covenant relationship with His people.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:46 employs several literary devices to convey Mary's profound spiritual state. The phrase "My soul doth magnify the Lord" utilizes **Personification**, as the abstract concept of "soul" is given the active capacity to "magnify." This emphasizes that Mary's praise is not superficial but emanates from her deepest spiritual and emotional core. Furthermore, the verb "magnify" itself, when applied to God, functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Anthropomorphism**, as it's understood not as literally making God larger, but as an intense declaration of His already infinite greatness. It is an act of exalting Him in human perception and expression. The entire verse also serves as a strong **Allusion** to Old Testament songs of praise, particularly echoing Hannah's prayer in [1 Samuel 2](/1_samuel/2 "1 Samuel 2 - Hannah's Prayer"), establishing a thematic continuity of God's work through the humble throughout salvation history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mary's opening declaration in Luke 1:46 serves as a foundational statement for understanding the nature of true worship and God's character. Her "magnifying" of the Lord is not an attempt to increase God's inherent greatness, which is infinite, but rather an act of proclaiming and exalting His existing majesty, power, and faithfulness. It is a deeply personal and Spirit-inspired response to God's condescension and grace, demonstrating that genuine praise flows from a heart that recognizes divine favor and sovereignty. This verse sets the stage for the Magnificat's broader theological themes: God's justice in exalting the humble and abasing the proud, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, and the radical reversal of human expectations that characterizes His redemptive work. Mary's song, therefore, stands as a powerful testament to the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament prophets to the dawn of the New Covenant.

* [1 Samuel 2:1-10](/1_samuel/2-1-10 "1 Samuel 2:1-10 - Hannah's Song of Praise")
* [Psalm 103:1](/psalms/103-1 "Psalm 103:1 - Bless the Lord, O My Soul")
* [James 4:10](/james/4-10 "James 4:10 - Humble Yourselves Before the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mary's spontaneous and profound declaration in Luke 1:46 offers a timeless model for believers facing God's blessings or challenging circumstances. Her response teaches us that true worship is not merely an outward act but an internal disposition, emanating from the "soul"—the deepest part of our being. To "magnify the Lord" means to consciously acknowledge, proclaim, and extol His inherent greatness, power, and goodness, allowing our lives to reflect His glory. In a world often consumed by self-magnification or despair, Mary's example calls us to reorient our focus entirely on God. It invites us to cultivate a heart of gratitude and awe, recognizing that any favor or blessing we receive is purely by God's grace, leading to humble adoration rather than self-exaltation. This verse reminds us that a life lived in constant recognition of God's sovereignty and faithfulness will naturally overflow with praise, magnifying Him in every circumstance, whether in joy or in trial.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for my "soul" to magnify the Lord in my daily life, beyond mere words?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of awe and gratitude for God's greatness, even amidst personal challenges?**
* **In what ways do I tend to magnify myself or other things more than I magnify the Lord?**
* **How does Mary's immediate and Spirit-filled response challenge my own patterns of responding to God's work in my life?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for Mary's "soul" to "magnify" the Lord?**

Answer: When Mary says "My soul doth magnify the Lord," she is expressing a profound and holistic act of worship emanating from her innermost being. "Soul" (Greek: _psychē_) refers to her entire inner person—her emotions, will, intellect, and spirit. It signifies that her praise is not merely intellectual or superficial, but deeply personal and all-encompassing. To "magnify" (Greek: _megalýnō_) does not mean to make God literally bigger or greater, as He is already infinitely so. Instead, it means to declare, extol, and proclaim His existing greatness, power, and glory. Mary is making God's majesty visible and known through her words and spirit, acknowledging His supreme authority and wonderful works in her life and in the world. It is an act of exalting Him in human perception and expression, reflecting His inherent worthiness of all praise.

**Was Mary's song, the Magnificat, a spontaneous utterance or a carefully composed piece?**

Answer: While the Magnificat is a highly structured and theologically rich poem, its presentation in [Luke 1:46-55](/luke/1-46-55 "Luke 1:46-55 - The Magnificat") suggests it was a spontaneous, Spirit-inspired outpouring. Luke states, "And Mary said," implying an immediate verbal response to Elizabeth's Spirit-filled greeting. However, Mary, being a devout Jewish woman, would have been deeply familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures, particularly the Psalms and prophetic texts. The Magnificat is replete with allusions and echoes of Old Testament passages, most notably Hannah's prayer in [1 Samuel 2:1-10](/1_samuel/2-1-10 "1 Samuel 2:1-10 - Hannah's Prayer"). This suggests that while the words were spontaneously uttered under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, they drew from a wellspring of biblical knowledge and a heart already attuned to God's character and promises. It's a beautiful example of divine inspiration working through a prepared and receptive human vessel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mary's declaration, "My soul doth magnify the Lord," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Mary's song is a magnificent expression of praise for God's faithfulness and the coming Messiah, it is Jesus Himself who supremely "magnifies" the Lord. Through His perfect obedience, His life, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, Jesus fully revealed the character and glory of God in a way no human could. He is the visible image of the invisible God, the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God"); [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). The very purpose of Christ's incarnation was to bring glory to God by accomplishing the Father's will and redeeming humanity ([John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father")). Therefore, Mary's praise for the Lord is ultimately a praise for the One who would perfectly embody and demonstrate God's greatness, making it possible for all who believe in Him to also magnify the Lord with their souls, reconciled to God through His Son ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 2:1

¶ And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.

1 Samuel 2:10

The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

Psalms 34:2

My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear [thereof], and be glad.

Psalms 34:3

O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.

Psalms 35:9

And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.

Isaiah 61:10

¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.

Psalms 103:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, [bless] his holy name.