Luke 1:48
For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐπέβλεψεν
he hath regarded
G1914
ἐπέβλεψεν
he hath regarded
Strong's:
G1914
Word #:
2 of 18
to gaze at (with favor, pity or partiality)
ἐπὶ
G1909
ἐπὶ
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
11 of 18
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νῦν
henceforth
G3568
νῦν
henceforth
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
13 of 18
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
μακαριοῦσίν
blessed
G3106
μακαριοῦσίν
blessed
Strong's:
G3106
Word #:
14 of 18
to beatify, i.e., pronounce (or esteem) fortunate
Cross References
Psalms 138:6Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.Malachi 3:12And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.1 Samuel 1:11And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.Luke 11:27And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.Psalms 136:23Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:Luke 1:28And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.Isaiah 66:2For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.Genesis 30:13And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.Luke 1:42And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.1 Samuel 2:8He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.
Historical Context
Mary came from Nazareth, an insignificant Galilean village ('Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?' John 1:46). As a young, poor woman in a patriarchal society, her 'low estate' was real. Yet God chose her for history's highest honor, demonstrating His sovereign grace transcending social status.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's choice of the lowly demonstrate His sovereign grace?
- What is the difference between honoring Mary's role and worshiping her?
- How should recognition of God's gracious choice affect our humility?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Mary's description of herself as God's 'handmaiden' (Greek 'doule'—female slave) and her 'low estate' demonstrates humility and submission to God's sovereign will. God's regarding her low estate echoes His pattern of choosing the weak and lowly (1 Cor 1:27-28). Her prophecy that 'all generations shall call me blessed' has been fulfilled as Christians honor her unique role while avoiding worship. The passive 'shall call me blessed' recognizes that her blessedness comes from God's choice, not personal merit. Mary models how election should produce humility, not pride—she is blessed solely because God regarded her, not because she merited His attention.