Question 1

What does “my soul doth magnify the Lord” mean in Mary’s song?

Accepted Answer

When Mary says, “my soul doth magnify the Lord,” she is not making God bigger, but lifting Him up with her whole inner being. She is deeply aware of His greatness and kindness and is gladly pointing to Him. This praise is not just words from her mouth; it comes from the core of who she is. Her spirit rejoices in God as her Savior, so her heart, thoughts, and feelings are all focused on how great and good He is and what He has done for her.

Question 2

Why does Mary call God “my Saviour” if she is already favored by God?

Accepted Answer

Mary calling God “my Saviour” shows she knows she needs God’s saving mercy like everyone else. Being chosen to bear Jesus is a great kindness from God, but she does not treat herself as sinless or self-sufficient. She rejoices that God has stepped in to rescue her and His people. Her joy is inward and spiritual, not just about honor or status. By using the words “my Saviour,” she shows personal trust in God’s grace and points us to find our joy in Him as well.

Question 3

What does Mary mean by God regarding the “low estate of his handmaiden”?

Accepted Answer

When Mary speaks of her “low estate,” she is talking about her humble position. She is a young woman from a simple background, with no special rank or power. She does not boast in herself but in God’s kindness. God choosing her to bear the Messiah shows He looks kindly on those the world might overlook. Her blessing comes purely from His grace, not from her own merit. Because of this, she says all generations will call her blessed, giving credit to what God has done, not to her own greatness.

Question 4

How does Mary’s song describe God’s treatment of the proud and the humble?

Accepted Answer

Mary’s song paints a clear picture of God’s way with people. She says God scatters the proud in the imagination of their hearts, brings down the mighty from their seats, and sends the rich away empty. At the same time, He exalts those of low degree and fills the hungry with good things. This shows that God is not impressed with human power, wealth, or self-importance. He opposes pride but lifts up those who know they are small and needy. Her words remind us that God’s values are very different from the world’s.

Question 5

What does “he hath filled the hungry with good things” mean here?

Accepted Answer

“He hath filled the hungry with good things” speaks of God’s kindness to those who lack and look to Him. The hungry are those brought low, in real need, not those who feel full and satisfied in themselves. God meets them with good things, both in physical care and in spiritual blessings. In contrast, the rich are sent away empty, meaning those who trust in their riches and status receive nothing from God’s hand. This shows that God gladly gives to those who know their need and look to Him in humble faith.

Question 6

How does Mary’s song show God’s mercy “from generation to generation”?

Accepted Answer

Mary says God’s mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. This means His kindness is not a one-time act but stretches across time to all who honor Him with a reverent, loving fear. She connects what God is doing for her with what He promised long ago to Abraham and his seed. By helping His servant Israel, God is remembering His mercy and keeping His ancient promises. So her own blessing is part of a long story of God caring for those who trust and obey Him.

Question 7

What does it mean that God has “holpen his servant Israel” in this passage?

Accepted Answer

When Mary says God has “holpen his servant Israel,” she means God has come to the aid of His people, who belong to Him like a servant to a master. Israel had been brought low and needed help. By sending the promised Savior through Mary, God is lifting His people up again. This help is not random; it is “in remembrance of his mercy,” tied to the promises He made to the fathers. It shows that God does not forget His people or His word, but steps in at the right time to save.

Question 8

Why does Mary mention Abraham and his seed in her praise?

Accepted Answer

Mary mentions Abraham and his seed to show that what is happening to her is part of God’s long-standing plan. God had promised mercy and blessing to Abraham and his offspring forever. By choosing Mary to bear the Messiah, God is keeping that promise. Her song connects her personal story to God’s big story with His people. This helps us see that Jesus’ coming is not a new idea, but the fulfillment of what God said He would do for Abraham’s family and for all who share Abraham’s faith.

Question 9

How can believers today respond to the message of Mary’s Magnificat?

Accepted Answer

Believers today can respond to Mary’s song by copying her humility and her focus on God. She does not center herself, even in a moment of great honor, but centers God’s mercy, power, and faithfulness. We can let our praise start in the heart, not just on our lips, rejoicing in God as our Savior. We can also remember that God cares for the lowly, feeds the hungry, and brings down the proud, and then align ourselves with His ways, trusting His promises and caring about the people He lifts up.

Luke 1:46

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

Mary’s Song

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Luke 1:46

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

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Mary’s Song

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