Luke 1:46
New International Version
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord

New Living Translation
Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.

English Standard Version
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,

Berean Standard Bible
Then Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord,

Berean Literal Bible
And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord,

King James Bible
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

New King James Version
And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord,

New American Standard Bible
And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord,

NASB 1995
And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord,

NASB 1977
And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord,

Legacy Standard Bible
And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord,

Amplified Bible
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies and exalts the Lord,

Christian Standard Bible
And Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

American Standard Version
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

Contemporary English Version
Mary said: With all my heart I praise the Lord,

English Revised Version
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Mary said, "My soul praises the Lord's greatness!

Good News Translation
Mary said, "My heart praises the Lord;

International Standard Version
Then Mary said, "My soul praises the greatness of the Lord!

NET Bible
And Mary said, "My soul exalts the Lord,

New Heart English Bible
Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

Weymouth New Testament
Then Mary said: "My soul extols the Lord,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Then Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord,

World English Bible
Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the LORD,

Berean Literal Bible
And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord,

Young's Literal Translation
And Mary said, 'My soul doth magnify the Lord,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Mary said: My soul doth magnify the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord.

New American Bible
And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;

New Revised Standard Version
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And Maryam said, “My soul exalts THE LORD JEHOVAH”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord,

Godbey New Testament
And Mary said; My soul doth magnify the Lord,

Haweis New Testament
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

Mace New Testament
Then Mary said, "my soul doth magnify the Lord,

Weymouth New Testament
Then Mary said: "My soul extols the Lord,

Worrell New Testament
And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord;

Worsley New Testament
And Mary said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Mary's Song
45Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord’s word to her will be fulfilled.” 46Then Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!…

Cross References
1 Samuel 2:1-10
At that time Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, for I rejoice in Your salvation. / There is no one holy like the LORD. Indeed, there is no one besides You! And there is no Rock like our God. / Do not boast so proudly, or let arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by Him actions are weighed. ...

Psalm 34:2-3
My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice. / Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together.

Psalm 103:1
Of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul; all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Psalm 35:9
Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and exult in His salvation.

Isaiah 61:10
I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Habakkuk 3:18
yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!

Psalm 9:14
that I may declare all Your praises—that within the gates of Daughter Zion I may rejoice in Your salvation.

Psalm 13:5
But I have trusted in Your loving devotion; my heart will rejoice in Your salvation.

Psalm 25:9
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.

Psalm 40:16
May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, “The LORD be magnified!”

Psalm 70:4
May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, “Let God be magnified!”

Psalm 98:1
A Psalm. Sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done wonders; His right hand and holy arm have gained Him the victory.

Psalm 149:2
Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King.

Isaiah 12:2
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.”

Isaiah 25:9
And in that day it will be said, “Surely this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He has saved us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited. Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.”


Treasury of Scripture

And Mary said, My soul does magnify the Lord,

1 Samuel 2:1
And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.

Psalm 34:2,3
My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad…

Psalm 35:9
And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.

Jump to Previous
Exalts Gives Glorifies Glory Magnify Mary Soul
Jump to Next
Exalts Gives Glorifies Glory Magnify Mary Soul
Luke 1
1. The preface of Luke to his whole gospel.
5. The conception of John the Baptist;
26. and of Jesus.
39. The prophecy of Elisabeth and of Mary, concerning Jesus.
57. The nativity and circumcision of John.
67. The prophecy of Zachariah, both of Jesus,
76. and of John.














Then Mary said:
This phrase introduces the Magnificat, a song of praise spoken by Mary. It is a response to Elizabeth's blessing and the realization of her role in God's plan. The Magnificat is similar to the song of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1-10, showing a deep connection to the Old Testament tradition of women expressing joy and gratitude for God's intervention.

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
Mary's use of "soul" indicates her innermost being, reflecting a deep, personal worship. To "magnify" the Lord means to exalt or glorify Him, acknowledging His greatness and sovereignty. This phrase sets the tone for the entire song, emphasizing humility and reverence. It echoes Psalm 34:3, where believers are called to magnify the Lord together, highlighting a communal aspect of worship. Mary's declaration is prophetic, as it anticipates the coming of the Messiah and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Mary
A young Jewish woman from Nazareth, chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus. Her response to the angel Gabriel's announcement is a profound expression of faith and humility.

2. Nazareth
A small town in Galilee where Mary lived. It is significant as the humble origin of Jesus' earthly family.

3. The Magnificat
This is the name given to Mary's song of praise, which begins with Luke 1:46. It is a powerful declaration of God's greatness and faithfulness.
Teaching Points
The Heart of Worship
Mary's declaration, "My soul magnifies the Lord," teaches us that true worship begins in the soul. It is an internal acknowledgment of God's greatness that overflows into our words and actions.

Humility and Exaltation
Mary's humble status did not prevent her from being used by God in a mighty way. This reminds us that God often chooses the lowly and humble to fulfill His purposes.

Joy in God's Promises
Mary's song is filled with joy and confidence in God's promises. As believers, we are called to find joy in the assurance of God's faithfulness and His plans for us.

Personal Reflection
Just as Mary magnified the Lord, we are encouraged to reflect on how our lives can exalt God. This involves aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with His will.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Luke 1:46?

2. How does Mary's praise in Luke 1:46 inspire your personal worship practices?

3. What does "my soul magnifies the Lord" reveal about Mary's relationship with God?

4. How can you emulate Mary's humility and faith in your daily life?

5. What Old Testament passages connect with Mary's expression of praise in Luke 1:46?

6. How can you incorporate Mary's attitude of gratitude into your prayer routine?

7. What does Mary's Magnificat in Luke 1:46 reveal about her understanding of God's nature?

8. How does Luke 1:46 reflect the theme of humility in the Bible?

9. Why is Mary's song in Luke 1:46 significant in Christian theology?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 1?

11. How does Mary express her joy and gratitude to God?

12. What divine joy and wisdom do the Odes reveal?

13. How did Mary of Bethany show devotion to Jesus?

14. What is the Annunciation?
What Does Luke 1:46 Mean
Then Mary said

• Mary’s words rise in direct response to Elizabeth’s Spirit-filled greeting (Luke 1:41-45), showing a heart already tuned to God’s voice.

• She speaks after faithfully accepting God’s plan for her life in Luke 1:38, revealing that obedience naturally flows into worship.

• Like Hannah’s praise after Samuel’s birth (1 Samuel 2:1-2), Mary gives voice to God’s work before it is fully seen, underscoring confident faith in His promises (Luke 1:30-33).


My soul

• “Soul” points to the deepest part of Mary’s being; her worship is not surface-level but springs from her innermost self (Psalm 103:1).

• She demonstrates the greatest commandment—loving God with all heart, soul, mind, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5; Mark 12:30).

• By highlighting her “soul,” Mary reminds us that genuine praise is personal and wholehearted, not merely spoken words (Psalm 42:1-2).


magnifies

• To “magnify” means to make much of God, enlarging His greatness in our perception even though He is already infinite (Psalm 34:3).

• Mary doesn’t magnify her own role; she magnifies the One who chose her (John 3:30).

• True worship shifts attention from self to God, exposing pride and fostering humility (James 4:10).


the Lord

• The focus is squarely on “the Lord,” Israel’s covenant-keeping God who fulfills ancient promises (Genesis 17:7; Luke 1:54-55).

• Mary’s praise anticipates the salvation her child will bring; she calls Him “Lord” here and “God my Savior” in the next verse (Luke 1:47; Isaiah 45:21).

• By using God’s covenant name, she connects her song to generations of believers who trusted the same faithful Lord (Psalm 100:3; Exodus 15:2).


summary

Mary’s first sentence in the Magnificat is a model of heartfelt worship. Out of a surrendered life she lifts her entire inner being to exalt the covenant God who keeps His promises. Her example invites us to let every part of who we are magnify the Lord, spotlighting His greatness rather than our own and trusting Him to accomplish all He has declared.

(46) My soul doth magnify the Lord.--We come to the first of the great canticles recorded by St. Luke, which, since the time of Caesarius of Arles (A.D. 540), who first introduced them into public worship, have formed part of the hymnal treasures of Western Christendom. We may think of the Virgin as having committed to writing at the time, or having remembered afterwards, possibly with some natural modifications, what she then spoke. Here the song of praise is manifestly based upon that of Hannah (1Samuel 2:1-10), both in its opening words and in much of its substance, and is so far significant of the hopes, and, if we may so speak, studies, of the maiden of Nazareth.

Verse 46-56. - The hymn of Mary, commonly called the Magnificat. Verse 46a. - And Mary said. There is a great contrast between the behavior of the two women when they met in Elisabeth's house. The elder was full of a new strange ecstatic joy. "She was filled with the Holy Ghost" (verse 42), and spoke her words of lofty congratulation with "a loud voice" (verse 42). Mary, on the other hand, was not conscious evidently, on this occasion, of any special presence of the Holy Spirit. Since the hour of the annunciation and her own meek faithful acceptance of the Lord's purpose, she had been dwelling, so to speak, under the immediate influence of the Spirit of the Lord. Her cousin's inspiration seems to have been momentary and transitory, while hers, during that strange blessed season which immediately preceded the Incarnation, was enduring. Hence the quiet introduction to her hymn, "And Mary said." It is, of course, possible that she had committed the beautiful thoughts to writing; but perhaps, in giving them to Luke or Paul, she needed no parchment scroll, but softly repeated to the chronicler of the Divine story the old song in which she had first told her deep imaginings to Elisabeth, and afterwards often had murmur the same bright words of joy and faith over the holy Babe as he lay in his cradle at Bethlehem, in Egypt, or in Nazareth. The "Virgin's Hymn" for nearly fourteen centuries has been used in the public liturgies of Christendom. We find it first in the ethics of Lauds in the Rule of St. Caesarius of Aries (A.D. 507).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Then
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Mary
Μαριάμ (Mariam)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3137: Or Mariam of Hebrew origin; Maria or Mariam, the name of six Christian females.

said:
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“My
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

soul
ψυχή (psychē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5590: From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.

magnifies
Μεγαλύνει (Megalynei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3170: (a) I enlarge, lengthen, (b) I increase, magnify, extol. From megas; to make great, i.e. Increase or extol.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Lord,
Κύριον (Kyrion)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.


Links
Luke 1:46 NIV
Luke 1:46 NLT
Luke 1:46 ESV
Luke 1:46 NASB
Luke 1:46 KJV

Luke 1:46 BibleApps.com
Luke 1:46 Biblia Paralela
Luke 1:46 Chinese Bible
Luke 1:46 French Bible
Luke 1:46 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Luke 1:46 Mary said My soul magnifies the Lord (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 1:45
Top of Page
Top of Page