Luke 1:53
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
Original Language Analysis
πεινῶντας
the hungry
G3983
πεινῶντας
the hungry
Strong's:
G3983
Word #:
1 of 7
to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave
ἐνέπλησεν
He hath filled
G1705
ἐνέπλησεν
He hath filled
Strong's:
G1705
Word #:
2 of 7
to fill in (up), i.e., (by implication) to satisfy (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 7
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πλουτοῦντας
the rich
G4147
πλουτοῦντας
the rich
Strong's:
G4147
Word #:
5 of 7
to be (or become) wealthy (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Luke 6:21Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.Psalms 34:10The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.Matthew 5:6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.Luke 6:24But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.1 Corinthians 1:26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:John 6:35And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.1 Samuel 2:5They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.Psalms 146:7Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:1 Corinthians 4:8Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.Ezekiel 34:29And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more.
Historical Context
Mary's words reflect Old Testament promises of God providing for the needy (1 Sam 2:5; Ps 107:9; Isa 55:1-2). Her emphasis would challenge both wealthy Sadducees and self-righteous Pharisees while offering hope to the poor and marginalized who would comprise Jesus's primary audience.
Questions for Reflection
- What does spiritual hunger look like compared to self-satisfied richness?
- How does material wealth often blind people to spiritual poverty?
- What good things does God provide to those who recognize their need?
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Analysis & Commentary
God's filling the hungry with good things while sending the rich away empty articulates divine justice and mercy. The 'hungry' represents those who recognize their spiritual poverty and need, while the 'rich' symbolizes those satisfied with worldly possessions and self-sufficiency. This doesn't merely describe economic redistribution but spiritual reality—those aware of their need receive God's gracious provision, while those trusting in themselves remain empty. This principle appears throughout Scripture (Beatitudes, Matt 5:3-6; Luke 6:20-26; Jas 2:5) and challenges both material wealth and spiritual pride. The rich are sent away empty not arbitrarily but because they won't acknowledge their need.