And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Mary doesn't just feel excited; she declares that her entire being—her soul, the very seat of her life and emotions—is actively making God great through her praise. This isn't a passive feeling but an intentional act of exalting God with her words and all that she is.
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh from Elizabeth's joyful greeting and the confirmation of her miraculous pregnancy, Mary, filled with the Holy Spirit, bursts into a song of praise. This hymn, known as the Magnificat, echoes the sentiments of Hannah's prayer from the Old Testament and reveals Mary's deep understanding of God's work, even as she reflects on her own humility and God's extraordinary favor. Her words set the stage for a profound meditation on God's justice and mercy, which will unfold throughout her song.
What does it mean to 'magnify' God? It's not about making God bigger—He's already infinite! Mary's song reveals how we can truly exalt Him.
When Mary says, 'My soul magnifies the Lord,' she's not talking about adding to God's size. God is already immense, eternal, and all-powerful.
Exalting His Worth
Instead, 'magnify' here means to celebrate, to extol, and to declare His greatness. It's about making God appear great in our lives and in the world through our words and actions. It's a profound act of worship that flows from recognizing who God truly is.
A Wholehearted Response
Mary uses the word 'soul' (which the original language refers to as the seat of our affections and emotions) to show this isn't just a fleeting thought. It's a deep, all-encompassing declaration of God's worth, involving her entire being.
Mary's song is rich with Old Testament language. Discover why this isn't just imitation, but a Spirit-inspired connection to God's unfolding plan.
Mary's hymn, the Magnificat, is a beautiful tapestry woven with phrases and sentiments from the Old Testament, especially the prayer of Hannah (1 Samuel 2). This isn't accidental; it shows:
Deep Familiarity with Scripture
Mary, a devout young woman, clearly knew and loved God's Word. Her song draws on the language of God's people throughout history, demonstrating a life immersed in Scripture.
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Continuity of God's Plan
By using these familiar phrases, Mary connects her unique experience—carrying the Messiah—to the long history of God's promises. Her song isn't just a personal praise; it's a celebration of God fulfilling His ancient covenants through Jesus.
A New Song for a New Era
While echoing the past, Mary's song is also filled with a 'new and exalted spirit.' It ushers in the New Testament era, celebrating God's salvation in Christ, a salvation that offers blessings to all generations.
Mary was chosen despite her low estate. Her song highlights a divine principle: God often works through the humble to achieve His greatest purposes.
Mary's song pivots on a core truth about God's kingdom: He intentionally chooses and elevates those who are often overlooked by the world.
God's Focus on the Humble
Mary herself emphasizes her 'low estate' (Luke 1:48). She recognizes that God looked upon her, His 'handmaid,' not because of any inherent status or power, but because of His grace. This reflects a pattern seen throughout Scripture.
The Principle of Divine Reversal
Mary's song, like Hannah's before her, speaks of God putting down the 'mighty' and lifting up the 'lowly.' This isn't about God being capricious; it's about His deliberate choice to work through weakness and humility, showcasing His power rather than human strength.
Rejoicing in God's Salvation
Understand the original words
psychē · Greek Noun
The innermost part of a person, representing the seat of emotions, will, and the core of human personality that is directed toward God.
megalynō · Greek Verb
To cause to grow in significance, to exalt, or to praise in a way that declares someone's greatness or dignity.
pneuma · Greek Noun
The non-material aspect of human existence that is capable of interacting with God, often associated with life, breath, and the inner disposition toward the divine.
agalliáō · Greek Verb
To be exceedingly glad or to exult with deep, spiritual joy, often resulting from God's gracious intervention.
sōtēr · Greek Noun
One who delivers from danger, destruction, or the penalty and power of sin; the title specifically signifies God as the agent of human salvation.
Mary's song, the Magnificat, echoes the themes of deliverance and divine intervention found in Old Testament songs of women like Hannah, reflecting a deep familiarity with Israel's history and a profound understanding of God's pattern of exalting the humble and bringing down the mighty, especially in light of the impending arrival of the promised Messiah amid Roman occupation.
c. 750 BC
Assyrian Empire Expands
The Neo-Assyrian Empire begins its major expansion, impacting the political landscape of the ancient Near East and eventually leading to the subjugation of Israel and Judah.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrians, leading to the exile of the Israelite population and the scattering of the ten tribes.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and deport a significant portion of the Jewish population to Babylon, marking the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
c. 500 BC
Persian Empire Rises
The Achaemenid Persian Empire rises to power, eventually conquering the Neo-Babylonian Empire and allowing the exiled Jews to return to their homeland.
c. 167 BC
Maccabean Revolt Begins
The Maccabean Revolt breaks out against the Seleucid Empire's attempts to Hellenize Judea, leading to a period of religious and political upheaval.
63 BC
Roman Conquest of Judea
The Roman Republic, under Pompey the Great, conquers Judea, incorporating it into the Roman sphere of influence and eventually establishing Roman rule.
c. AD 1— this verse
Birth of Jesus
Jesus is born in Bethlehem, Judea, during the reign of Emperor Augustus of Rome. This event marks the central point of Christian theology and history.
This passage, Hannah's prayer after the birth of Samuel, is a clear model for Mary's Magnificat, sharing themes of God exalting the lowly and using similar phrasing to express praise.
Psalm 34:2-3Mary's declaration 'My soul magnifies the Lord' echoes the psalmist's call to praise God, emphasizing that magnifying God involves celebrating His mighty deeds.
Psalm 103:1This psalm's exhortation to 'Bless the Lord, O my soul!' directly parallels Mary's sentiment, showing that the whole inner being is meant to be engaged in praising God.
Philippians 4:4While Mary's hymn is a profound expression of joy in anticipation of God's salvation, this verse reminds us that believers today are also called to 'rejoice in the Lord always,' showing a continuous theme of joy rooted in God.
cambridgeLuke 1:46: "And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,"
46–56. The Magnificat 46 . And Mary said ] This chapter is remarkable for preserving a record of two inspired hymns—the Magnificat and the Benedictus —which have been used for more than a thousand years in the public services of Christendom. The Magnificat first appears in the office of Lauds in the rule of St Caesarius of Arles, a. d. 507. (Blunt, Annotated Prayer Book , p. 33.) It is so full of Hebraisms as almost to form a mosaic of…
bensonLuke 1:46: "And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,"
Luke 1:46-48. And Mary said — Under a prophetic impulse, several things which perhaps she herself did not then fully understand. Having heard Elisabeth speak, as above related, she likewise was filled with the Holy Ghost, and under his influence uttered extempore a hymn, remarkable for the beauty of its style, the sublimity of its sentiments, and the spirit of piety which runs through the whole of it: and manifesting the deep sense she…
Mary doesn't just feel excited; she declares that her entire being—her soul, the very seat of her life and emotions—is actively making God great through her praise. This isn't a passive feeling but an intentional act of exalting God with her words and all that she is.
Fresh from Elizabeth's joyful greeting and the confirmation of her miraculous pregnancy, Mary, filled with the Holy Spirit, bursts into a song of praise. This hymn, known as the Magnificat, echoes the sentiments of Hannah's prayer from the Old Testament and reveals Mary's deep understanding of God's work, even as she reflects on her own humility and God's extraordinary favor. Her words set the stage for a profound meditation on God's justice and mercy, which will unfold throughout her song.
Fresh from Elizabeth's joyful greeting and the confirmation of her miraculous pregnancy, Mary, filled with the Holy Spirit, bursts into a song of praise. This hymn, known as the Magnificat, echoes the sentiments of Hannah's prayer from the Old Testament and reveals Mary's deep understanding of God's work, even as she reflects on her own humility and God's extraordinary favor. Her words set the stage for a profound meditation on God's justice and mercy, which will unfold throughout her song.
"And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior," — Mary doesn't just feel excited; she declares that her entire being—her soul, the very seat of her life and emotions—is actively making God great through her praise. This isn't a passive feeling but a…
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Last reviewed October 2026