Luke 1:53

He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

He hath filled {G1705} the hungry {G3983} with good things {G18}; and {G2532} the rich {G4147} he hath sent {G1821} empty {G2756} away {G1821}.

filled the hungry with good things, but sent the rich away empty.

He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty.

The hungry he hath filled with good things; And the rich he hath sent empty away.

Commentary

Luke 1:53 is a powerful declaration from Mary's song, often called the Magnificat, highlighting God's revolutionary justice and providential care. This verse succinctly encapsulates a core theme of God's kingdom: the reversal of worldly values and expectations.

Context of Luke 1:53

This verse is part of Mary's prophetic hymn of praise, the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), uttered after her cousin Elizabeth affirmed her miraculous pregnancy. Mary, a humble virgin, recognizes God's favor upon her and, through her song, articulates profound truths about God's character and His coming Messiah. Her words echo themes found in the Old Testament, particularly the prayer of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1-10, foreshadowing the social and spiritual upheaval Jesus would bring.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Reversal of Fortunes: The verse vividly portrays God's tendency to uplift the lowly and humble the proud. It speaks of a divine economy where earthly status is inverted. The "hungry" are not merely those lacking food, but also those spiritually longing for righteousness and truth, who recognize their need for God.
  • God's Provision for the Needy: "He hath filled the hungry with good things" speaks to God's compassionate care for those who are dependent on Him. This isn't just about physical sustenance but also spiritual blessings, comfort, and justice. Those who acknowledge their emptiness before God are the ones He satisfies. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in the Beatitudes, where the "hungry and thirsty for righteousness" are blessed.
  • Judgment on the Self-Sufficient: Conversely, "and the rich he hath sent empty away" serves as a warning against self-reliance, pride, and trust in material wealth. The "rich" here are not condemned simply for having possessions, but for their spiritual arrogance and perceived independence from God. Their perceived fullness keeps them from hungering for God, leading to spiritual emptiness in His sight. This theme is consistent throughout scripture, where wealth often becomes an obstacle to true faith, as seen in the parable of the rich young ruler.

Linguistic Insights

The power of Luke 1:53 lies in its direct and contrasting verbs: "filled" (Greek: enenplēsen) and "sent empty away" (Greek: exapesteilen kenous). The contrast is stark and immediate. Kenous means "empty" or "void," emphasizing that those who are full in their own eyes are ultimately left with nothing of true eternal value by God. This highlights God's active role in both providing and withholding, based on the posture of the human heart.

Practical Application

This verse challenges believers to examine their own spiritual hunger and where they place their trust. It calls for:

  • Humility: Recognizing our dependence on God for all things, both physical and spiritual.
  • Compassion: Emulating God's care for the poor and marginalized, both materially and spiritually.
  • Right Priorities: Valuing spiritual riches and God's kingdom over transient material wealth (Matthew 6:33).

Ultimately, Luke 1:53 reassures the humble and hungry that God is on their side, while serving as a sober reminder to the proud and self-sufficient that true fulfillment comes only from Him.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 107:8 (12 votes)

    Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!

  • Psalms 107:9 (12 votes)

    For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

  • Luke 6:21 (9 votes)

    Blessed [are ye] that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed [are ye] that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

  • Psalms 34:10 (7 votes)

    The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good [thing].

  • Luke 6:24 (6 votes)

    But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.

  • Revelation 7:16 (6 votes)

    They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

  • Revelation 7:17 (6 votes)

    For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.