Luke 1:46–47

Commentary Guide on Luke 1:46–47

Text (King James Version)

Luke 1:46–47
“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.”

These two verses open what Christians have long called the Magnificat, Mary’s song of praise. They arise in the context of Luke chapter 1, where God is acting decisively to fulfil His promises through the conception of John the Baptist and the incarnation of Jesus Christ.

1. 📚 Exegetical Commentary

1.1 The Setting in Luke Chapter 1

Luke chapter 1 is rich with divine initiative and human response. God sends Gabriel to Zacharias (Luke 1:11–20) and then to Mary (Luke 1:26–38). Mary responds in humble faith, saying in Luke 1:38:
“Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”

When Mary visits Elisabeth, the unborn John leaps in the womb, and Elisabeth, filled with the Holy Ghost, blesses Mary (Luke 1:41–45). Mary’s song flows out of this Spirit-filled moment.

1.2 “My soul doth magnify the Lord”

Mary begins with worship. The verb magnify means to declare the greatness of God, not to make Him greater but to acknowledge His greatness. Mary’s soul—her whole inner being—responds to God’s grace.

This echoes the psalmic tradition. For example, Psalm 34:3 says:
“O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.”

Mary stands in continuity with the faithful of Israel who exalt God for His saving acts.

1.3 “My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour”

Mary rejoices not in herself, not in her role, and not in her circumstances, but in God—specifically, “God my Saviour.” This is a profoundly theological statement.

A Christian reading emphasises:

• Mary acknowledges her need for salvation.
• She does not present herself as sinless but as a recipient of grace.
• Her joy is rooted in God’s saving work, not her own merit.

This aligns with the angel’s earlier declaration in Luke 1:30:
“Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.”
Favour (grace) is something given, not earned.

1.4 The Trinitarian Shape of the Passage

While the Trinity is not explicitly named, the chapter reveals:

• The Father sending His word.
• The Son conceived in Mary’s womb (Luke 1:35).
• The Holy Ghost overshadowing Mary and filling Elisabeth (Luke 1:35, 41).

Mary’s praise is therefore deeply Trinitarian in its context.

1.5 The Covenant Faithfulness of God

Mary’s song later refers to God’s mercy to Abraham and his seed (Luke 1:54–55). Her opening lines anticipate this theme: God is acting to save His people, just as He promised.

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2. 🙏 Meditation Guide

2.1 Magnifying the Lord in Daily Life

Mary magnifies the Lord in the midst of uncertainty. She is young, poor, and facing social misunderstanding, yet her heart is full of praise.

Meditation questions:

• What does it look like for me to magnify the Lord in my own circumstances?
• Do I praise God only when life is comfortable, or also when life is complex?

2.2 Rejoicing in God as Saviour

Mary’s joy is not superficial. It is grounded in God’s saving work. Christians today can meditate on:

• The joy of salvation in Jesus Christ.
• The assurance that God saves sinners by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

Reflect on Titus 3:5:
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.”

2.3 Humility and Grace

Mary’s humility is a model for believers. She does not exalt herself but exalts God. Her posture invites us to consider:

• Where do I seek recognition instead of giving glory to God?
• How can I cultivate humility that reflects Christ?

2.4 The Work of the Holy Spirit

Mary’s praise is Spirit-inspired. Christians today can pray:

• “Holy Spirit, fill my heart with joy in God my Saviour.”
• “Help me respond to God’s word with faith, as Mary did.”

2.5 Living in God’s Story

Mary sees her life as part of God’s larger redemptive plan. So should we.

Meditation prompts:

• How does my life fit into God’s mission in the world?
• How can I participate in God’s ongoing work of grace?

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3. 🧭 Application for Modern Christian Living

3.1 Worship as a Whole-of-Life Response

Mary’s soul and spirit respond to God. Christian worship is not limited to Sunday gatherings but includes:

• Gratitude in daily routines
• Trust in hardship
• Praise in prayer
• Obedience in action

3.2 Joy Rooted in Salvation, Not Circumstances

Mary’s joy is theological, not circumstantial. Christians today can cultivate joy by:

• Remembering the gospel daily
• Reading Scripture with expectation
• Praying with confidence in God’s promises

3.3 Humility as a Mark of True Faith

Mary’s humility challenges modern self-centredness. Christians can practise humility by:

• Serving others quietly
• Confessing sin honestly
• Giving God the glory for every good thing

3.4 Confidence in God’s Faithfulness

Luke chapter 1 shows God keeping His promises. Christians can trust:

• God’s timing
• God’s sovereignty
• God’s goodness
• God’s covenant faithfulness in Jesus Christ