Luke 1:52

KJV

He hath put down the mighty from [their] seats, and exalted them of low degree.

KJV (with Strong's)

He hath put down {G2507} the mighty {G1413} from {G575} their seats {G2362}, and {G2532} exalted {G5312} them of low degree {G5011}.

Complete Jewish Bible

brought down rulers from their thrones, raised up the humble,

Berean Standard Bible

He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.

American Standard Version

He hath put down princes from their thrones, And hath exalted them of low degree.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:52, a powerful declaration within Mary's Magnificat, proclaims God's radical reversal of earthly power structures, asserting His divine sovereignty over human affairs. It reveals a core principle of His kingdom: the humbling of the proud and the powerful, and the exaltation of the meek and marginalized, thereby demonstrating His unwavering justice and commitment to righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Mary's prophetic song, often referred to as the Magnificat ([Luke 1:46-55](/luke/1-46-55 "Luke 1:46-55 - Mary's Song of Praise")). Spoken in response to Elizabeth's Spirit-filled greeting following the angel Gabriel's annunciation, Mary's song is deeply rooted in Old Testament themes and echoes, particularly the thanksgiving song of Hannah in [1 Samuel 2:1-10](/1_samuel/2-1-10 "1 Samuel 2:1-10 - Hannah's Prayer"). It serves as a theological exposition of God's character and His redemptive plan, framing the imminent birth of the Messiah not merely as a personal blessing but as a catalyst for a profound societal and spiritual reordering, where divine justice is enacted through the overturning of human hierarchies.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea, under Roman occupation, was a society marked by stark social stratification. Power was concentrated in the hands of the Roman authorities and the Jewish elite (Herodian dynasty, Sadducees), while the majority of the population, especially the rural poor and those considered "unclean" by religious standards, lived in subjugation and hardship. Mary, a humble, unmarried Galilean woman, represents the "low degree" of society. Her prophecy speaks directly to the aspirations for justice and liberation prevalent among the Jewish people, who longed for God to intervene and restore their nation, often envisioning a Messiah who would overthrow earthly oppressors. The imagery of "seats" (thrones) would immediately evoke political and religious authority.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 1:52 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **Divine Reversal and Justice**, where God actively intervenes to humble the proud and powerful and to elevate the marginalized and oppressed. This highlights God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and His active role in human history to correct imbalances, a theme powerfully introduced in the Beatitudes (e.g., [Luke 6:20-26](/luke/6-20-26 "Luke 6:20-26 - The Beatitudes and Woes")). Another key theme is **God's Sovereignty**, emphasizing His direct and absolute authority over the affairs of humanity, asserting that no human strength or position can ultimately withstand His divine will. This is a foundational aspect of God's character seen throughout the Old Testament and reiterated in the New, such as in [Acts 17:24-28](/acts/17-24-28 "Acts 17:24-28 - Paul's Sermon on Mars Hill"). Finally, the verse offers **Hope for the Humble**, proclaiming that God sees the condition of the lowly, poor, and oppressed, and will ultimately vindicate them, promising that humility and dependence on God will be rewarded, while pride and self-exaltation will lead to downfall, a principle echoed in [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **put down (Greek, _kathairéō'_):** From *katá* (down) and *hairéomai* (to take), this verb signifies a forceful, decisive action of lowering, demolishing, or casting down. It implies not merely a removal but a complete overthrow, indicating God's active and powerful intervention in dismantling established power structures.
* **mighty (Greek, _dynástēs'_):** Derived from *dýnamai* (to be able), this term refers to a ruler, potentate, or someone of great authority and power. It encompasses those who hold significant worldly influence, whether political, military, or social, highlighting the very individuals who seem unassailable from a human perspective.
* **seats (Greek, _thrónos'_):** Literally meaning a stately seat or throne, this word metaphorically represents power, authority, and dominion. Its use here emphasizes the removal of those in positions of high status and governance, signifying a complete dethroning and loss of their established authority.
* **low degree (Greek, _tapeinós'_):** Of uncertain derivation, this adjective describes someone who is depressed, humiliated, or of humble circumstances and disposition. It refers to the marginalized, the poor, the oppressed, and those considered insignificant by worldly standards, emphasizing their social and economic vulnerability.
* **exalted (Greek, _hypsóō'_):** From *hýpsos* (height), this verb means to elevate, lift up, or raise high. It denotes a significant upward movement in status, honor, or position, directly contrasting the "putting down" of the mighty and signifying God's active vindication and elevation of the humble.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He hath put down the mighty from their seats":** This clause declares God's sovereign act of deposing those who wield earthly power and authority. The "mighty" (δυνάστας - *dynástas*) are those in positions of influence and control, often associated with pride and self-sufficiency. Their "seats" (θρόνων - *thrónōn*) symbolize their thrones, positions of power, and established authority. The verb "put down" (καθεῖλεν - *katheilen*) is a strong, decisive term, indicating a complete and forceful removal, not a gradual decline. This is presented as a completed action, a "prophetic perfect," signifying the certainty of God's future intervention as if it has already occurred.
* **"and exalted them of low degree":** This clause presents the antithetical action, revealing God's counter-cultural work of elevating the humble. "Them of low degree" (ταπεινοὺς - *tapeinoús*) refers to the marginalized, the poor, the oppressed, and those considered insignificant by society. The verb "exalted" (ὕψωσεν - *hypsōsen*) signifies a lifting up, a raising to a position of honor and dignity. This demonstrates God's preferential option for the humble and His commitment to reversing human-made hierarchies, bringing justice and honor to those who have been overlooked or oppressed.

#### Literary Devices
Mary's declaration in Luke 1:52 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, directly contrasting "the mighty" who are "put down" with "them of low degree" who are "exalted." This stark opposition highlights the radical nature of God's kingdom values, which stand in direct opposition to worldly systems of power and status. The use of the **Prophetic Perfect** tense ("He hath put down," "exalted") treats future events as already accomplished facts, emphasizing the absolute certainty and divine decree of God's actions. This lends an air of divine authority and inevitability to Mary's prophecy. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in the sweeping nature of the statement, which, while true in principle, emphasizes the dramatic and comprehensive scope of God's justice in overturning all forms of human pride and exalting true humility. The entire Magnificat, including this verse, functions as a **Hymn** or **Song of Praise**, using poetic language to express theological truths and personal devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:52 articulates a foundational biblical truth about God's character and the nature of His kingdom: He is a God who actively intervenes in human history to humble the proud and elevate the humble. This principle is not merely a social observation but a theological declaration of divine justice and sovereignty. It underscores that true power and lasting honor do not reside in worldly status or self-exaltation, but in humility and dependence on God. This divine reversal challenges human notions of greatness and reveals God's preferential love for the marginalized, promising vindication and elevation for those who align with His humble spirit, while warning against the dangers of pride and self-sufficiency.

* [1 Samuel 2:7-8](/1_samuel/2-7-8 "Hannah's Song on God's Sovereignty")
* [Psalm 75:7](/psalm/75-7 "God as Judge")
* [Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Humility and Exaltation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:52 calls believers to a profound re-evaluation of what constitutes true power and honor in God's eyes. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and motivations: are we striving for worldly recognition and status, or are we cultivating a spirit of humility and service? For those who feel overlooked, marginalized, or oppressed by societal structures, this verse offers immense comfort and assurance that God sees their condition, validates their worth, and promises ultimate vindication and elevation. It encourages perseverance, faith, and hope in God's justice. Conversely, for those in positions of influence or authority, it serves as a stern warning against pride, self-exaltation, and the abuse of power. It is a powerful call to use any influence we possess with humility, integrity, and a deep awareness that all authority ultimately derives from God, who can, and will, bring down the mighty and exalt the humble according to His righteous will. This verse reminds us that aligning with God's kingdom values means embracing humility and advocating for justice for the vulnerable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be seeking "seats" of power or recognition in my own life, and how does this verse challenge those desires?**
* **How does the promise of God exalting "them of low degree" offer comfort or challenge to my current circumstances or perspective?**
* **What practical steps can I take to embody humility and advocate for the marginalized in my community, reflecting God's heart for justice?**

### FAQ
**What does Mary's statement in Luke 1:52 imply about God's view of earthly power and authority?**

Answer: Mary's statement implies that God's view of earthly power and authority is fundamentally different from human perspectives. While the world often values strength, status, and control, God actively intervenes to dismantle these human-made hierarchies. He is not impressed by worldly might or position but rather judges based on righteousness and humility. The verse suggests that earthly power, when wielded with pride or injustice, is ultimately fragile and subject to God's sovereign will. It underscores that true authority belongs to God alone, and He uses it to bring about justice by humbling the proud and elevating the humble, demonstrating that His kingdom operates on principles of divine reversal rather than human accumulation of power. This theme is consistent with Jesus's later teachings on servant leadership and the nature of His kingdom, as seen in [Matthew 20:25-28](/matthew/20-25-28 "Matthew 20:25-28 - Servant Leadership").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:52 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Mary's prophetic words are not merely a general statement about God's justice but a direct foreshadowing of the radical inversion of values brought about by the Messiah. Jesus, though God incarnate, did not come in worldly power or majesty, but was born in humble circumstances, identifying with "them of low degree." His entire ministry exemplified this principle: He consistently challenged the proud religious and political elites of His day, exposing their hypocrisy and self-righteousness, while extending grace, healing, and dignity to the poor, the sick, the marginalized, and the outcast (e.g., [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus's Mission Statement")). Jesus Himself taught, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" ([Luke 14:11](/luke/14-11 "Luke 14:11 - Humility and Exaltation")). The pinnacle of this Christ-centered fulfillment is seen in His own life: though "in the form of God," He "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). It was precisely through this ultimate act of humility and self-abasement that God "highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, Jesus is both the embodiment of "them of low degree" who is exalted and the ultimate example of God's principle for all humanity.

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

Ezekiel 17:24

And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done [it].

Psalms 107:40

He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, [where there is] no way.

Psalms 107:41

Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh [him] families like a flock.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Luke 18:14

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

1 Samuel 2:6

The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.

1 Samuel 2:8

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.