46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. 49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. 51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. 53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. 54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; 55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. 56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house. (Luke 1:46-56 KJV)
Mary’s song
The meeting between the pregnant Mary and her cousin Elisabeth was a significant moment for both women, allowing them to share their remarkable experiences. Mary, despite being early in her pregnancy, traveled to visit Elisabeth in Judah, likely in Hebron, possibly, to confirm the angel’s message about Elisabeth’s pregnancy and to find comfort in sharing her own situation. When Mary arrived, the baby in Elisabeth’s womb, John the Baptist, leaped for joy. Elisabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognized Mary as the mother of the Messiah. This led Elisabeth to bless Mary for her belief in God’s word.
Mary responded with a song of praise. Elisabeth’s words echoed Mary’s greeting, and this song echoed Elisabeth’s prophecy, showing that Mary was also filled with the Holy Spirit. Though likely tired from travel, Mary was energized by the confirmation of her faith and broke into praise, much like Abraham’s servant who wouldn’t eat until he delivered his message (Genesis 24:33).
She began by rejoicing in God. Some compare this to Miriam’s song after Israel crossed the Red Sea (Exodus 15), but it more closely resembles Hannah’s song after Samuel’s birth (1 Samuel 2), both beginning with joyful praise of God. Mary exclaimed, “My soul magnifies the Lord,” meaning she saw God’s greatness more clearly through His goodness. True advancement in mercy leads us to exalt God. When we magnify the Lord, our whole being should be involved—praising God must come from the soul.
She continued, “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” referring to the Messiah she would bear. She acknowledged her need for a Savior and gloried more in her salvation—a grace she shared with all believers—than in the unique honor of being Christ’s mother. This matches Jesus’ teaching that obedience to God matters more than physical kinship with him (Matthew 12:50; Luke 11:27-28). All who have Christ as Savior have reason to rejoice in spirit, as Jesus did (Luke 10:21).
She praised God for His mercy to her personally (Luke 1:48-49). “He has looked on the humble state of his servant.” Despite her poverty and obscurity, God chose her. The phrase suggests she may have even been overlooked or scorned within her family, and God honored her to outweigh that shame—just as Leah and Hannah were honored after being despised (Genesis 29:31; 1 Samuel 1:19). God often lifts those whom others unjustly reject (Judges 11:7; Psalm 136:23). And this favor would be remembered: “From now on all generations will call me blessed.” All who accept Christ will declare her blessed (Luke 11:27), not only Elizabeth but all generations, Jews and Gentiles alike.
She added, “The Mighty One has done great things for me” (Luke 1:49). It was indeed a great thing that a virgin should conceive, and greater still that the long-awaited Messiah would now be born. God’s power is evident here, and His name is holy, just as Hannah declared, “There is none holy like the Lord” (1 Samuel 2:2). He is unique and reveals this in the work of redemption. From the one who is mighty and holy, we can expect both powerful and perfect deeds.
Mary, now bearing the Messiah, became a public figure and was filled with a new, broader perspective.