1:48 because he has looked upon the humble state of his servant. 7
For 8 from now on 9 all generations will call me blessed, 10
1 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the transition to a new topic.
2 tn Grk “behold.”
3 tn Traditionally, “handmaid”; Grk “slave woman.” Though δούλη (doulh) is normally translated “woman servant,” the word does not bear the connotation of a free woman serving another. BDAG notes that “‘servant’ for ‘slave’ is largely confined to Biblical transl. and early American times… in normal usage at the present time the two words are carefully distinguished” (BDAG 260 s.v. δοῦλος). The most accurate translation is “bondservant,” sometimes found in the ASV for δοῦλος (doulos), in that it often indicates one who sells himself or herself into slavery to another. But as this is archaic, few today understand its force.
4 tn Grk “let this be to me.”
5 sn The remark according to your word is a sign of Mary’s total submission to God’s will, a response that makes her exemplary.
6 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
7 tn See the note on the word “servant” in v. 38.
8 tn Grk “for behold.”
9 sn From now on is a favorite phrase of Luke’s, showing how God’s acts change things from this point on (5:10; 12:52; 22:18, 69; Acts 18:6).
10 sn Mary is seen here as an example of an object of God’s grace (blessed) for all generations.