King James Version
What Does Luke 1:51 Mean?
“He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.”
Context
49
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51
He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(51) **He hath shewed strength.**—Literally, *He wrought strength.* Here the parallelism with 1Samuel 2:3 becomes very close. Of whom the speaker thought as among the “proud,” we cannot know. They may have been the potentates of the world in which she lived, Herod and the Emperor of Rome. They may have been the men of Jerusalem, who despised Galilee; or those of the other towns and villages of Galilee, who despised Nazareth; or, though less probably, those of Nazareth itself, who despised the carpenter and his betrothed.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 1:51 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 1:51
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge