King James Version

What Does Luke 1:46 Mean?

Luke 1:46 in the King James Version says “And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, — study this verse from Luke chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

Luke 1:46 · KJV


Context

44

For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

45

And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. that: or, which believed that there

46

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

47

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

48

For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Mary's Magnificat (vv.46-55) begins 'My soul doth magnify the Lord' (μεγαλύνει ἡ ψυχή μου τὸν κύριον). The verb 'megalynō' (μεγαλύνω) means to make great or enlarge—not that Mary can literally make God greater, but that she exalts and proclaims His greatness. This hymn is saturated with Old Testament allusions, particularly Hannah's prayer (1 Samuel 2:1-10), demonstrating Mary's deep scriptural knowledge. The structure follows Hebrew poetic parallelism, and the content emphasizes God's mighty acts in salvation history: remembering mercy, scattering the proud, exalting the humble, filling the hungry, sending the rich away empty. Mary sees her personal experience as part of God's larger redemptive pattern of reversing worldly values and vindicating the faithful.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Magnificat represents one of four hymns in Luke's infancy narrative (along with Zacharias's Benedictus, the angels' Gloria, and Simeon's Nunc Dimittis). Early Christian worship incorporated these hymns, as evidenced by their preservation in liturgical language. Some ancient manuscripts attribute the Magnificat to Elizabeth, though overwhelming textual evidence supports Mary. The hymn's revolutionary social content—exalting the lowly, deposing the mighty—would resonate with Luke's emphasis on Jesus' concern for the marginalized.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Mary's Magnificat demonstrate that worship involves both personal praise and theological reflection on God's character?
  2. What does Mary's extensive biblical knowledge reveal about spiritual formation and the importance of Scripture memorization?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
Καὶ1 of 9

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπεν2 of 9

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Μαριάμ3 of 9

Mary

G3137

maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females

Μεγαλύνει4 of 9

doth magnify

G3170

to make (or declare) great, i.e., increase or (figuratively) extol

5 of 9
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ψυχή6 of 9

soul

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

μου7 of 9

My

G3450

of me

τὸν8 of 9
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κύριόν9 of 9

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 1:46 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 1:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study