Luke 1:46
What does Luke 1:46 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 1:46 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 1:46 means
Mary begins her Magnificat: “My soul doth magnify the Lord.” This is Mary’s personal, theological song of praise, showing profound devotion and recognition of God’s greatness. She responds with worshipful enlargement of God’s name—magnifying the Lord for his mighty deeds. The statement indicates Mary’s humility and spiritual maturity as she attributes the honor and significance of what is happening to God, not to personal glory.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
KJV
King James Version · 1611And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Mary said: My soul gives glory to God;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Mary said, `My soul doth magnify the Lord,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Mary said: My soul doth magnify the Lord.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord,
Context
This verse opens Mary’s extended hymn, following Elizabeth’s praise. The Magnificat will interpret the meaning of God’s action in light of Israel’s history and promises. Mary’s song provides theological reflection on God’s mercy and social reversal themes evident in the narrative.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Habakkuk 3:17
For though the fig-tree shall not flourish, Neither shall fruit be in the vines; The labor of the olive shall fail, And the fields shall yield no food; The flock shall be cut off from the fold, And there shall be no herd in the stalls:
- Psalms 34:2
My soul shall make her boast in Jehovah: The meek shall hear thereof, and be glad.
- 1 Peter 1:8
whom not having seen ye love; on whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
- Romans 5:11
and not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
- Psalms 103:1
Bless Jehovah, O my soul; And all that is within me, blesshis holy name.
- Philippians 3:3
for we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh:
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