Luke 1:49

KJV

For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy [is] his name.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} he that is mighty {G1415} hath done {G4160} to me {G3427} great things {G3167}; and {G2532} holy {G40} is his {G846} name {G3686}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"The Mighty One has done great things for me! Indeed, his name is holy;

Berean Standard Bible

For the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is His name.

American Standard Version

For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; And holy is his name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:49, a pivotal declaration within Mary's Magnificat, encapsulates her profound awe and gratitude for God's miraculous intervention in her life and His inherent, unchanging character. In this verse, Mary attributes her extraordinary experience of conceiving the Son of God not to her own merit, but solely to the immense power and sacred nature of God, proclaiming His mighty deeds and the absolute holiness of His name. It serves as a foundational statement of divine sovereignty, miraculous provision, and the transcendent purity of the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 1:49 is an integral part of Mary's hymn of praise, traditionally known as the [Magnificat](/luke/1-46-55 "Luke 1:46-55 - Mary's Magnificat"), which spans [Luke 1:46-55](/luke/1-46-55 "Luke 1:46-55 - Mary's Song of Praise"). This song is Mary's Spirit-inspired response to Elizabeth's prophetic greeting, where Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes Mary as the mother of her Lord ([Luke 1:41-45](/luke/1-41-45 "Luke 1:41-45 - Elizabeth's Prophetic Greeting")). The Magnificat itself is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophetic and praise traditions, particularly echoing Hannah's prayer in [1 Samuel 2:1-10](/1_samuel/2-1-10 "1 Samuel 2:1-10 - Hannah's Prayer of Thanksgiving"), highlighting God's consistent pattern of exalting the humble and bringing down the proud. Mary's declaration here transitions from her personal blessedness to a broader theological statement about God's character and His redemptive plan for Israel and all humanity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Mary, a young, humble, and unmarried virgin from Nazareth, lived under Roman occupation in a society deeply steeped in Jewish religious tradition. The annunciation of her miraculous pregnancy by the angel Gabriel ([Luke 1:26-38](/luke/1-26-38 "Luke 1:26-38 - The Annunciation to Mary")) was an event of unparalleled significance, challenging societal norms and potentially bringing great shame. Her visit to Elizabeth, a relative who was also miraculously pregnant in her old age ([Luke 1:5-25](/luke/1-5-25 "Luke 1:5-25 - The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold")), provided a safe and affirming space. Mary's song, therefore, is not merely a personal expression but also a culturally resonant affirmation of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly to the marginalized and the poor, aligning with the prophetic expectations of a Messiah who would bring justice and salvation to Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores God's **omnipotence and sovereignty**, demonstrating His ability to intervene supernaturally in human affairs, exemplified by the virgin conception of Jesus. The declaration "holy is his name" emphasizes God's **transcendent holiness and moral purity**, a theme central to biblical theology, distinguishing Him as utterly set apart from creation and sin. Furthermore, Mary's humble acknowledgment of God's "great things" done "to me" highlights the theme of **divine favor bestowed upon the humble and lowly**, a recurring motif in Luke that culminates in the radical inclusivity of the Kingdom of God. This verse also serves as a powerful **personal testimony** of faith, demonstrating how an individual's experience of God's power can lead to profound worship and theological insight.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mighty (Greek, _dynatós'_):** Derived from the verb "to be able," this term signifies inherent power, capability, and strength. When applied to God, it speaks of His omnipotence – His absolute ability to accomplish anything He purposes, especially that which is humanly impossible. For Mary, this "mighty one" is the God who has overcome natural limitations to bring about the miraculous conception of Jesus.
* **great things (Greek, _megaleîos'_):** This word, often used in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) to describe God's miraculous and magnificent deeds (e.g., the wonders of the Exodus), refers to conspicuous favors, acts of divine grandeur, or works of perfection. It emphasizes the extraordinary, awe-inspiring nature of God's intervention in Mary's life, far beyond any human expectation or capacity.
* **holy (Greek, _hágios'_):** This term conveys the idea of being set apart, sacred, or consecrated. In reference to God, it speaks of His absolute purity, moral perfection, and His unique, transcendent nature, distinct from all creation and utterly unblemished by sin. To say His "name" is holy is to affirm that His very character, essence, and reputation are sacred and worthy of ultimate reverence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he that is mighty hath done to me great things":** This clause serves as the reason ("For") for Mary's preceding praise. It identifies God as the "mighty one" (_dynatós_), emphasizing His omnipotence as the source of the extraordinary events in her life. The "great things" (_megaleîa_) refer specifically to the miraculous virgin conception of Jesus, an act that demonstrates God's power to transcend natural laws and human limitations. Mary's use of "to me" underscores the deeply personal nature of this divine intervention, highlighting her humble astonishment at being chosen for such a magnificent purpose.
* **"and holy is his name":** This second clause shifts from God's actions to His inherent character. The conjunction "and" links God's mighty deeds to His essential nature. "His name" represents God's very being, His revealed character, and His reputation. To declare His name "holy" (_hágios_) is to affirm His absolute purity, moral perfection, and His transcendence. It means He is utterly set apart from all creation, distinct in His righteousness and worthy of ultimate reverence and worship. This statement grounds God's powerful actions in His unchanging, sacred identity.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:49 employs several potent **Literary Devices**. **Hyperbole** is evident in "great things," which, while literally true in the context of the incarnation, also conveys the overwhelming and almost unbelievable magnitude of God's favor upon Mary. **Parallelism** is present in the two clauses, where the first speaks of God's mighty actions and the second of His holy character, creating a balanced and reinforcing declaration of His nature. The phrase "his name" functions as a **Metonymy**, where "name" stands in for God's entire being, reputation, and authority. By declaring His "name" holy, Mary is proclaiming the holiness of God Himself. The entire verse is also a profound example of **Doxology**, an expression of praise and glory to God, reflecting Mary's deep reverence and worship in response to His divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:49 profoundly connects God's active power with His intrinsic holiness, presenting a theological truth that undergirds all of salvation history. God's "mighty acts" are not arbitrary displays of power but are always consistent with His "holy name"—His righteous, pure, and set-apart character. This verse establishes that the miraculous events surrounding the incarnation of Jesus are not merely wonders but are the very outworking of a holy God's redemptive plan. Mary's personal experience becomes a microcosm of God's greater design to intervene in human history, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises and His commitment to exalting the humble and bringing salvation to His people, all while upholding His transcendent nature.

* [Psalm 111:9](/psalm/111-9 "Psalm 111:9 - God's Holy and Awesome Name")
* [Isaiah 57:15](/isaiah/57-15 "Isaiah 57:15 - The High and Lofty One")
* [Revelation 4:8](/revelation/4-8 "Revelation 4:8 - God's Holiness and Might")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:49 challenges believers to cultivate a profound sense of awe and gratitude for God's active presence and power in their lives. Just as Mary recognized God's "great things" done specifically "to me," we are invited to pause and identify the specific, often miraculous, ways God has intervened in our own circumstances, providing, protecting, or guiding. This verse calls us beyond a general acknowledgment of God's power to a personal testimony of His faithfulness. Furthermore, the declaration "holy is his name" reminds us that God's power is always exercised in perfect righteousness and purity. This should inspire not only reverence but also a call to live lives that reflect His holiness, seeking to honor His name in all we do. In a world that often diminishes God's power or misrepresents His character, Mary's song provides a timeless model for recognizing, declaring, and revering the God who is both mighty in deed and holy in essence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great things" has the Mighty One done in your life, and how have you acknowledged them?**
* **How does understanding God's holiness impact your worship and daily walk?**
* **In what ways can you more intentionally honor God's "holy name" in your thoughts, words, and actions?**
* **How does Mary's humility in receiving God's favor inspire your own response to divine blessings?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Mary saying "great things" were done "to me"?**

Answer: Mary's phrase "great things" (Greek: _megaleîa_) refers to magnificent, awe-inspiring deeds, particularly those performed by God. Her addition of "to me" emphasizes the profoundly personal and miraculous nature of God's intervention in her life: the virgin conception of Jesus. It highlights her humble astonishment and gratitude that God, the Almighty, would choose her, a lowly servant, for such an extraordinary and pivotal role in His redemptive plan. It underscores that God's mighty acts are not just global events but also deeply personal interventions.

**How does "holy is his name" relate to God's actions?**

Answer: The declaration "holy is his name" signifies God's absolute purity, moral perfection, and His transcendence—He is utterly set apart from all creation and sin. This statement is intrinsically linked to His actions because it asserts that His "mighty deeds" are not arbitrary or capricious but are always consistent with His righteous and pure character. God's power is always exercised in perfect holiness. Therefore, the "great things" He does, including the incarnation, are not just displays of might but are expressions of His holy nature working out His righteous purposes, particularly His covenant faithfulness and salvation for humanity. This connection assures us that God's power is always good and just.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:49, a declaration from Mary's Magnificat, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. The "great things" that the "Mighty One" did for Mary culminate in the incarnation of God's Son, Jesus Christ. He is the tangible manifestation of God's power and holiness. Jesus embodies the very "holy name" of God, for He is "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")). His life, death, and resurrection are the supreme "great things" God has done for humanity, demonstrating His mighty power over sin and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). In Christ, God's holiness is perfectly revealed and made accessible; through His atoning sacrifice, believers are made holy and brought into fellowship with a holy God ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice")). The "name" of Jesus, which is above every name ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Exaltation of Christ")), is the very embodiment of God's holy character and mighty redemptive work, ensuring that all praise and glory ultimately redound to Him.

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 111:9

He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend [is] his name.

Psalms 126:2

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

Psalms 126:3

The LORD hath done great things for us; [whereof] we are glad.

Psalms 99:3

Let them praise thy great and terrible name; [for] it [is] holy.

Jeremiah 10:6

Forasmuch as [there is] none like unto thee, O LORD; thou [art] great, and thy name [is] great in might.

Ephesians 3:20

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Genesis 17:1

¶ And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I [am] the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.