Luke 1:52
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
Original Language Analysis
καθεῖλεν
He hath put down
G2507
καθεῖλεν
He hath put down
Strong's:
G2507
Word #:
1 of 7
to lower (or with violence) demolish (literally or figuratively)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
3 of 7
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
θρόνων
their seats
G2362
θρόνων
their seats
Strong's:
G2362
Word #:
4 of 7
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 7
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Ezekiel 17:24And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done it.James 4:10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.Luke 18:14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.Ecclesiastes 4:14For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.1 Samuel 2:4The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.Amos 9:11In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:Mark 6:3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
Historical Context
Mary's words reflect Jewish hope for God to overthrow oppressive rulers (Roman occupiers) and restore Israel. Yet the true fulfillment came through Messiah's kingdom that conquers through weakness and exalts through humility—radically redefining political expectations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's pattern of reversal challenge worldly values of power and status?
- What does Christ's incarnation teach about God exalting the lowly?
- How should this principle shape Christian ambition and attitude toward authority?
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Analysis & Commentary
Mary proclaims God's sovereign reversal: 'He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.' This declares God's absolute authority over human power structures. The aorist tenses describe God's characteristic action throughout redemptive history. 'Seats' (Greek 'thronon') refers to thrones and positions of authority. God's deposing the mighty isn't arbitrary but follows His pattern of humbling the proud. The exaltation of 'low degree' demonstrates God's gracious choice of the weak and despised. This principle finds ultimate expression in Christ's incarnation—God taking on human flesh, the ultimate descent before the ultimate exaltation (Phil 2:6-11). Mary herself exemplifies this pattern.