Luke 1:49
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 11
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐποίησέν
hath done
G4160
ἐποίησέν
hath done
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
2 of 11
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
μεγάλεῖα
great things
G3167
μεγάλεῖα
great things
Strong's:
G3167
Word #:
4 of 11
magnificent, i.e., (neuter, plural as noun) a conspicuous favor, or (subjectively) perfection
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δυνατός
he that is mighty
G1415
δυνατός
he that is mighty
Strong's:
G1415
Word #:
6 of 11
powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἅγιον
holy
G40
ἅγιον
holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
8 of 11
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Psalms 111:9He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.Psalms 99:3Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.Jeremiah 10:6Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.Ephesians 3:20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,Genesis 17:1And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.Isaiah 57:15For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.Revelation 15:4Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.Psalms 99:9Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.Exodus 15:11Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?1 Samuel 2:2There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
Historical Context
Mary's emphasis on God's 'mighty' acts (Greek 'dunatos'—powerful one) would resonate with Jewish expectation of God's powerful intervention to save His people. Her recognition of His holiness places her experience within the framework of God's covenant character and promises.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God's holiness shape our understanding of His works?
- Why is it important to attribute our blessings to God's power rather than our merit?
- How does Mary's theological interpretation of her experience model proper perspective?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Mary's declaration 'he that is mighty hath done to me great things' attributes everything to God's power, not her merit. The perfect tense 'hath done' emphasizes completed divine action. The phrase 'his name is holy' connects God's mighty acts to His essential character—He works according to His holy nature. Mary's theology recognizes that God's holiness doesn't prevent His gracious intervention but motivates it according to His covenant faithfulness. Her focus on God's name echoes Exodus 3:14-15 and Psalm 111:9, grounding her experience in redemptive history. Mary interprets her pregnancy theologically as God's mighty work, not personally as her achievement.