Discovery BoxLuke 1:47-50 
Context1:47 and my spirit has begun to rejoice 1 in God my Savior,
1:48 because he has looked upon the humble state of his servant. 2
For 3 from now on 4 all generations will call me blessed, 5
1:49 because he who is mighty 6 has done great things for me, and holy is his name;
1:50 from 7 generation to generation he is merciful 8 to those who fear 9 him.
1 tn Or “rejoices.” The translation renders this aorist, which stands in contrast to the previous line’s present tense, as ingressive, which highlights Mary’s joyous reaction to the announcement. A comprehensive aorist is also possible here.
2 tn See the note on the word “servant” in v. 38.
3 tn Grk “for behold.”
4 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).
5 sn Mary is seen here as an example of an object of God’s grace (blessed) for all generations.
6 tn Traditionally, “the Mighty One.”
7 tn Grk “and from.” Here καί (kai) has been translated by a semicolon to improve the English style.
8 sn God’s mercy refers to his “loyal love” or “steadfast love,” expressed in faithful actions, as the rest of the psalm illustrates.
9 tn That is, “who revere.” This refers to those who show God a reverential respect for his sovereignty.
