Luke 1:46-48 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Luke 1:39-56

We have here an interview between the two happy mothers, Elisabeth and Mary: the angel, by intimating to Mary the favour bestowed on her cousin Elisabeth (Luke 1:36), gave occasion for it; and sometimes it may prove a better piece of service that we think to bring good people together, to compare notes. Here is, I. The visit which Mary made to Elisabeth. Mary was the younger, and younger with child; and therefore, if they must come together, it was fittest that Mary should take the journey,... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Luke 1:46-56

1:46-56 And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has exulted in God, my Saviour, because he looked graciously on the humble estate of his servant. For--look you--from now on all generations shall call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me and his name is holy. His mercy is from generation to generation to those who fear him. He demonstrates his power with his arm. He scatters the proud in the plans of their hearts. He casts down the mighty from their... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 1:46

And Mary said, my soul doth magnify the Lord. Either Jehovah, the Father, or the Son; who, as he was David's Lord, according to his divine nature, though his son after the flesh, was, in the same sense, Mary's Lord, as well as her son: and by "magnifying" him is meant, not making him great, for he cannot be made greater than he is; but ascribing greatness to him, even all the perfections of the Deity, and praising him on account of them; and also declaring and speaking well of his many and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 1:47

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Which also, may be understood, either of God the Father, who was her Saviour, both as the God of nature and providence; so the Persic version renders it, "in God that gives me life"; and who had supported, maintained, and preserved her life; and as the God of grace, who has contrived the scheme of salvation, fixed upon, and appointed Christ to be the Saviour; and who saves by him, and therefore is sometimes said to be our Saviour. Titus 3:4 or... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 1:48

For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden, .... Meaning, either her outward temporal estate, which was very low and mean: David's family was now very much reduced, it had its seat not at Jerusalem, but at Nazareth, in Galilee: Mary, of that house, was a poor virgin, and Joseph, of the same, to whom she was betrothed, was a poor carpenter; and yet God passed by the rich and noble families of Jewish people, and pitched upon this poor virgin to be the mother of the Messiah: or her... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:46

And Mary said - Two copies of the Itala, and some books mentioned by Origen, give this song to Elisabeth. It is a counterpart of the song of Hannah, as related in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 . This is allowed by many to be the first piece of poetry in the New Testament; but the address of the angel to Zacharias, Luke 1:13-17 , is delivered in the same way; so is that to the virgin, Luke 1:30-33 , and so also is Elisabeth's answer to Mary, Luke 1:42-45 . All these portions are easily reducible... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:47

My spirit hath rejoiced - Exulted. These words are uncommonly emphatical - they show that Mary's whole soul was filled with the Divine influence, and wrapped up in God. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:48

He hath regarded - Looked favorably, etc., επεβλεψεν . In the most tender and compassionate manner he has visited me in my humiliation, drawing the reasons of his conduct, not from any excellence in me, but from his own eternal kindness and love. All generations shall call me blessed - This was the character by which alone she wished to be known; viz. The blessed or happy virgin. What dishonor do those do to this holy woman, who give her names and characters which her pure soul would... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:46

Verse 46 Now follows a remarkable and interesting song of the holy virgin, which plainly shows how eminent were her attainments in the grace of the Spirit. There are three clauses in this song. First, Mary offers solemn thanksgiving for that mercy of God which she had experienced in her own person. Next, she celebrates in general terms God’s power and judgments. Lastly, she applies these to the matter in hand, treating of the redemption formerly promised, and now granted to the church. 46.My... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:48

Verse 48 48.Because he hath looked She explains the reason why the joy of her heart was founded in God to be, that out of free grace he had looked upon her. By calling herself low she disclaims all merit, and ascribes to the undeserved goodness of God every occasion of boasting. For ταπείνωσις, lowness, does not here denote — as ignorant and uneducated men have foolishly imagined — “submission, or modesty, or a quality of the mind,” but signifies “ a mean and despicable condition.” (48) The... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Luke 1:39-56

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Luke 1:46-56

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 1:46

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 1:47

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 1:48

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:46

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:47

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:48

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:46

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:48

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