and my spiritThis phrase reflects the inner being of Mary, indicating a deep, personal, and spiritual response. In biblical terms, the "spirit" often refers to the immaterial part of a person that connects with God. This aligns with the Hebrew understanding of the human being as a unity of body, soul, and spirit. The spirit is the seat of emotions and will, and here it signifies Mary's profound joy and worship.
rejoices
The term "rejoices" conveys an intense, exuberant joy. This is not merely a fleeting happiness but a deep-seated, spiritual exultation. In the context ofLuke 1, Mary's joy is a response to the angel Gabriel's announcement and Elizabeth's confirmation of her blessed status. This joy is rooted in the fulfillment of God's promises and the coming of the Messiah. The Greek word used here, "agalliaō," is often associated with spiritual joy and is used in other scriptures to describe the joy of believers in God's salvation (e.g.,1 Peter 1:8).
in God
Mary's joy is directed towards God, emphasizing her relationship with Him. This reflects the theocentric nature of her praise, acknowledging God as the source of her joy and salvation. The phrase underscores the personal relationship between Mary and God, which is a central theme throughout the Bible. It also highlights the monotheistic faith of Israel, where God is the central figure of worship and devotion.
my Savior!
The term "Savior" is significant, as it acknowledges God's role in delivering and redeeming His people. This is a recognition of God's saving acts throughout Israel's history, as well as a prophetic acknowledgment of the coming salvation through Jesus Christ. The use of "my" indicates a personal appropriation of God's salvation, reflecting the intimate and personal nature of faith. This anticipates the New Testament revelation of Jesus as the Savior of the world, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies such asIsaiah 53. The concept of God as Savior is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, seen in passages likePsalm 25:5 andIsaiah 43:11, and is central to Christian theology.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MaryThe mother of Jesus, who is speaking in this verse. She is expressing her joy and gratitude to God for the role she is to play in His divine plan.
2.
GodReferred to as "my Savior" by Mary, highlighting her personal relationship with Him and acknowledging His role in salvation.
3.
The MagnificatThis verse is part of Mary's song of praise, known as the Magnificat, which she sings during her visit to Elizabeth. It is a profound expression of worship and gratitude.
4.
ElizabethThe cousin of Mary, who is pregnant with John the Baptist. Her greeting to Mary prompts the Magnificat.
5.
The Holy SpiritImplicit in the joy and inspiration of Mary's song, as the Holy Spirit often moves believers to worship and praise.
Teaching Points
Joy in SalvationMary's spirit rejoices in God her Savior, reminding us that true joy is found in the salvation God provides. Believers are encouraged to find their deepest joy in their relationship with God.
Personal Relationship with GodMary refers to God as "my Savior," indicating a personal and intimate relationship. This teaches us the importance of knowing God personally and recognizing His work in our lives.
Praise as a Response to God's WorkMary's response to God's blessing is immediate praise. We should cultivate a habit of praising God for His work in our lives, both big and small.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in WorshipThe joy and inspiration in Mary's song suggest the influence of the Holy Spirit. Believers should seek the Spirit's guidance in their worship and expressions of gratitude.
Humility and GratitudeDespite being chosen for a significant role, Mary remains humble and grateful. This teaches us to remain humble and thankful for the roles God assigns us in His plan.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Luke 1
What are the key teachings and events in Luke?
What does the Immaculate Conception mean?
How does Mary express her joy and gratitude to God?
Who was the Virgin Mary?(47)
In God my Saviour.--We may well believe that this choice of the name was determined by the meaning of the name, implying God's work of salvation, which she had been told was to be given to her Son.
Verse 46b-48. -
My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. This is the first of the four divisions of the Magnificat. In it she speaks of herself, and her deep feelings of adoration and of holy joy, and of intense glad surprise. It is a prayer, but the highest kind of prayer, for it asks for nothing - it simply breathes adoration and thankfulness. We may imagine the angels praying thus. They have all that created beings, however exalted, can desire in the beatific vision which they perpetually enjoy; and yet they pray continually, but only after this manner. The joy of her spirit, notice, is based on the fact of the revelation that he, God, was, too, her Savior; and, of course, not hers only: her great joy was in the thought of the salvation of the suffering, sinning world around her. Then she passes into simple wonderment that she should have been chosen as the instrument of the boundless goodness of God. She had nothing to recommend her only her low estate. Though royally descended, she only occupied a position among the humblest Hebrew maidens, and yet, owing to God's favor, she will be deemed blessed by countless unborn generations.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.spiritπνεῦμά(pneuma)Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151:Wind, breath, spirit.rejoicesἠγαλλίασεν(ēgalliasen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 21:To exult, be full of joy. From agan and hallomai; properly, to jump for joy, i.e. Exult.inἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.GodΘεῷ(Theō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.Savior!Σωτῆρί(Sōtēri)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4990:A savior, deliverer, preserver. From sozo; a deliverer, i.e. God or Christ.
Links
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NT Gospels: Luke 1:47 My spirit has rejoiced in God my (Luke Lu Lk) 
