And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

LUKE 1:46KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 1:46 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:46 mean?

Luke 1:46 records Mary beginning her song of praise by declaring that her soul “magnifies the Lord.” Mary is expressing deep joy and honor toward God, saying that her whole being lifts up and celebrates who God is.

Mary is speaking after visiting her relative Elizabeth, who has just blessed her for believing God’s promise. In this moment, Mary responds with heartfelt worship, starting what is often called the “Magnificat.” The verse sets the tone for her song, showing that Mary’s response to God’s work in her life is one of humble praise and wonder.

The Greek behind Luke 1:46

  • ψυχή (psychē, “soul”): This Greek word refers to the inner life or true self of a person. Mary’s praise is not just outward but comes from the deepest part of who she is.
  • μεγαλύνω (megalynō, “magnify”): The Greek here means to make great, honor, or highly esteem. Mary is not making God bigger, but she is recognizing and declaring God’s greatness.
  • κύριος (kyrios, “Lord”): This word often refers to God’s authority and power. Mary is directing her praise specifically to God as the one in control.

Why Luke 1:46 matters

  • Luke 1:46 shows that Mary’s response to God’s work is rooted in worship, not pride or fear, highlighting her humility and faith.
  • The verse introduces a song that connects Mary’s experience to the larger story of God’s faithfulness in Israel’s history, echoing earlier songs of praise in the Bible.
  • By using the language of “soul” and “magnify,” the verse emphasizes that true worship comes from the heart and involves recognizing God’s greatness above all else.

Where else these words appear

“magnify” Greek G3170 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
  • Acts 5:13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.
  • Acts 19:17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

“Mary” Greek G3137 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
  • Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
  • John 11:19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

“soul” Greek G5590 · used in 95 verses

  • Matthew 2:20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
  • John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.