Luke 1:47

KJV

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} my {G3450} spirit {G4151} hath rejoiced {G21} in {G1909} God {G2316} my {G3450} Saviour {G4990}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior,

Berean Standard Bible

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!

American Standard Version

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:47 captures Mary's profound personal declaration of joy and faith, proclaiming, "And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." This verse, a pivotal part of her inspired song known as the Magnificat, reveals Mary's deep understanding of her own need for divine salvation despite her unique calling. It underscores her humble recognition of God's sovereign grace and mighty power, celebrating Him as the source of her deliverance and the fulfillment of His ancient promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 1:47 is embedded within Mary's magnificent song of praise, the [Magnificat](/luke/1-46-55 "Luke 1:46-55 - The Magnificat"), which she utters immediately after her cousin Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, blesses her and acknowledges her as the mother of her Lord ([Luke 1:43](/luke/1-43 "Luke 1:43 - Elizabeth's Spirit-filled Greeting")). The verse serves as the personal foundation for the communal and theological declarations that follow in the rest of the Magnificat, where Mary praises God for His mercy, power, and faithfulness to His covenant promises ([Luke 1:49-55](/luke/1-49-55 "Luke 1:49-55 - God's Mighty Works and Faithfulness")). This song is strategically placed in Luke's Gospel to highlight the spiritual significance of Jesus's impending birth, echoing Old Testament songs of deliverance such as Hannah's prayer in [1 Samuel 2:1-10](/1_samuel/2-1-10 "1 Samuel 2:1-10 - Hannah's Prayer").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Mary, a young, humble virgin from Nazareth, was chosen by God for an extraordinary role ([Luke 1:26-38](/luke/1-26-38 "Luke 1:26-38 - The Annunciation to Mary")). In ancient Israelite culture, women, especially those of humble status, held little societal power or recognition. Yet, God chose Mary, demonstrating His preference for the lowly and His subversion of human expectations. Her journey to Elizabeth's home in the hill country of Judea ([Luke 1:39-40](/luke/1-39-40 "Luke 1:39-40 - Mary's Journey to Elizabeth")) was a significant undertaking. Her declaration of God as "Saviour" resonates deeply with the Jewish expectation of a Messiah who would deliver Israel from oppression and fulfill the promises made to Abraham. This cultural backdrop magnifies the radical nature of God's choice and Mary's Spirit-inspired response, which transcends mere personal happiness to embrace the grand narrative of God's redemptive history.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within [Luke 1](/luke/1 "Luke 1 - The Birth Narratives") and the broader Gospel. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Favor and Humility**: Mary, despite being "highly favored" ([Luke 1:28](/luke/1-28 "Luke 1:28 - Gabriel's Greeting to Mary")), humbly acknowledges her need for God as her personal Savior, setting a precedent for all who would follow Christ. Secondly, **Salvation and Deliverance** are central; Mary's recognition of God as "Saviour" foreshadows the ultimate salvation that Jesus, whose name means "Yahweh saves," will bring ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People")). Thirdly, the theme of **Joy and Exultation in God** is powerfully conveyed, illustrating that true spiritual joy stems from a deep relationship with God and recognition of His mighty acts. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **God's Reversal of Fortunes**, as the humble Mary is exalted, a theme further developed in [Luke 1:51-53](/luke/1-51-53 "Luke 1:51-53 - God's Reversal of Fortunes").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** This word refers to the vital principle, the rational soul, or the innermost being of a person. In this context, Mary's "spirit" signifies the deepest part of her being, her inner self, where her relationship with God resides. It's not merely an emotional reaction, but a profound, spiritual exultation that originates from her core being, indicating a genuine and deep-seated faith.
* **Hath rejoiced (Greek, _agalliáō'_):** This term means "to jump for joy" or "to exult." It conveys an intense, overflowing, and often outward expression of gladness, far beyond mere happiness. Mary's joy is not a quiet contentment but an exuberant, spiritual celebration, indicative of a profound inner delight in God's goodness and His work in her life. It suggests a joy that is so great it cannot be contained.
* **Saviour (Greek, _sōtḗr'_):** This word denotes a deliverer, preserver, or rescuer. Mary's use of "my Saviour" is a deeply personal and theological statement. It aligns with the Old Testament understanding of God as the one who delivers His people from distress, oppression, and sin. By claiming God as *her* personal Savior, Mary acknowledges her own need for divine rescue, despite her unique role, thereby affirming the universal human condition of needing salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And my spirit hath rejoiced":** This clause reveals the depth and nature of Mary's response to God's favor. Her joy is not superficial or fleeting; it emanates from her "spirit," the very core of her being. The verb "hath rejoiced" (perfect tense in Greek) suggests a completed action with ongoing results, indicating a settled and abiding state of exultation. It's a spontaneous, Spirit-inspired overflow of worship, demonstrating a profound intimacy with God and an acute awareness of the divine work unfolding within her.
* **"in God my Saviour":** This phrase identifies the sole object and source of Mary's profound joy. Her rejoicing is not in herself, her unique status, or the miracle of her pregnancy, but "in God." The possessive "my" makes the relationship intensely personal, signifying her individual faith and reliance on Him. Crucially, she recognizes God as "my Saviour," acknowledging her personal need for deliverance and redemption, thus positioning herself among all humanity who require God's saving grace. This declaration sets the stage for the coming of Jesus, who would embody this very title.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:47 is rich in **Personal Confession**, as Mary articulates her deepest spiritual experience directly to God. This personal declaration forms the bedrock of the Magnificat, giving it authenticity and emotional power. The use of "my spirit" and "my Saviour" highlights the **Intimacy** of her relationship with God, portraying a direct and unmediated connection. Furthermore, the intense verb "hath rejoiced" employs **Hyperbole** to convey the overwhelming nature of her spiritual joy, a joy so profound it transcends ordinary emotion. This verse functions as a powerful **Theological Declaration**, asserting God's character as the ultimate Deliverer and anticipating the salvific work of Jesus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mary's declaration in Luke 1:47 is a profound theological statement that resonates throughout biblical theology. Her recognition of God as "my Saviour" affirms the universal human need for salvation, even for one uniquely chosen by God. It underscores that salvation is a divine initiative, flowing from God's character as merciful and mighty. This personal confession of faith highlights that genuine joy in God is intrinsically linked to understanding Him as our deliverer from sin and its consequences. It is a joy that transcends circumstances, rooted in the secure knowledge of God's redemptive power and His personal involvement in the lives of His people. Mary's song, beginning with this personal testimony, then expands to encompass God's broader redemptive plan for Israel and all humanity.

* [Psalm 35:9](/psalms/35-9 "Psalm 35:9 - Rejoicing in God's Salvation")
* [Habakkuk 3:18](/habakkuk/3-18 "Habakkuk 3:18 - Joy in the Lord Amidst Adversity")
* [1 Timothy 4:10](/1_timothy/4-10 "1 Timothy 4:10 - God, the Savior of All People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mary's heartfelt declaration in Luke 1:47 offers a timeless model for our own faith and worship. Her "spirit" rejoiced, indicating that true spiritual joy is not merely an outward emotion but a deep, internal wellspring fed by an intimate relationship with God. Despite the overwhelming and potentially daunting nature of her calling, Mary's focus remained steadfastly on God as her personal Savior. This teaches us to cultivate a posture of humility, recognizing our constant need for God's grace and deliverance, regardless of our perceived strengths or accomplishments. Our deepest joy, like Mary's, should be rooted in the character of God—His faithfulness, His power, and His unwavering commitment to save. In a world that often seeks joy in fleeting pleasures or personal achievements, Mary redirects our gaze to the unchanging source of all true delight: God, our Savior. This verse calls us to a worship that is both deeply personal and profoundly theological, acknowledging God's sovereignty over our lives and His redemptive work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for your "spirit" to rejoice in God? Is your joy in God a deep, internal experience or primarily an external one?**
* **How does Mary's declaration of God as "my Saviour" challenge any self-reliance or pride we might harbor?**
* **In what specific ways have you experienced God as your personal "Saviour" in your life, delivering you from sin, fear, or despair?**
* **How can you cultivate a more consistent attitude of exultant joy in God, even amidst difficult circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Did Mary's statement "God my Saviour" imply she was a sinner?**

Answer: Mary's declaration that God is "my Saviour" does not necessarily imply she was a sinner in the sense of committing specific moral transgressions, but rather that she, like all humanity, was a creature in need of God's saving grace and deliverance. The term "Saviour" in the Bible encompasses a broad range of meanings, including deliverance from physical danger, oppression, and ultimately, sin. While the Roman Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception posits Mary was preserved from original sin, the biblical text consistently portrays all human beings as needing God's redemptive work. Mary's humble acknowledgment of God as her Savior aligns with the universal biblical truth that salvation is a gift from God, not something earned or inherently possessed. Her statement underscores her humility and her dependence on God's grace, setting a powerful example for all believers who confess their reliance on God for salvation, as seen in passages like [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned") and [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mary's declaration, "And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Mary rightly identifies God as her deliverer, the New Testament reveals that this divine salvation is uniquely embodied and accomplished through her Son. Jesus's very name, "Jesus," is the Greek form of "Joshua," meaning "Yahweh saves," as explicitly stated by the angel to Joseph: "you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins" ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People")). The "Saviour" Mary rejoices in is the one who will come in the flesh, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as the definitive and sole "Saviour" of humanity, through whom God's redemptive plan is fully realized ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name"); [Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - Our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ"); [1 John 4:14](/1_john/4-14 "1 John 4:14 - The Father Sent His Son as Savior")). Thus, Mary's Spirit-inspired praise anticipates the very one who would perfectly manifest God's saving power and bring about the ultimate deliverance for all who believe.

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

Psalms 35:9

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

1 Timothy 2:3

For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

Habakkuk 3:18

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Isaiah 45:21

Tell ye, and bring [them] near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? [who] hath told it from that time? [have] not I the LORD? and [there is] no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; [there is] none beside me.

Isaiah 45:22

Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else.

Titus 2:10

Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

Jude 1:25

To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.