Luke 1:49 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:49 mean?

Luke 1:49 is Mary’s response to what God has done for her. She recognizes that the extraordinary change in her life comes from God’s power, and she speaks of him with respect because he is holy.

Mary says these words after the angel has told her that she will bear Jesus and after she has visited Elizabeth. The words “to me” make her response personal: she is speaking as someone directly affected by what God has done.

The Greek behind Luke 1:49

• “mighty” — δυνατός (dynatos): This word carries the sense of having power or ability. Mary uses it to identify God as the one able to bring about the great things she describes.

• “holy” — ἅγιος (hagios): This word can mean set apart or worthy of special respect. Applied to God’s name here, it expresses Mary’s reverence for God himself.

• “name” — ὄνομα (onoma): A name can stand for the person who bears it. “Holy is his name” is therefore a way of speaking about God, not just the sound of his name.

Why Luke 1:49 matters

• Mary connects her own experience with God’s concern for others. After saying “to me,” she speaks in verse 50 of his mercy toward those who fear him, meaning those who hold him in deep respect.

• Mary’s words place the coming birth within a longer story about God’s people. Later in her song, she speaks of God remembering his mercy and his promise to Abraham and his descendants (Luke 1:54–55).

• The verse is part of a song of praise, not a report of events alone. Mary describes what has happened to her while directing attention to the one she believes has acted.