# The Magnificat > *And Mary said,* > > *"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.* > > *For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away.* > > *He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever."* > — [Luke 1:46-55](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=%20Luke%201%3A46-55&version=NABRE) # Study Notes Luke 1:46-55 The Magnificat (Latin for "magnifies") is a hymn of praise and a recital of God's covenant faithfulness. Mary extols humility (1:48) and rejoices in God's blessings on the lowly (1:47, 52-53). The song also introduces the theme of God's "mercy" (1:50, 54), which flows into the following episode (1:58, 72, 78) (CCC 2097, 2619). The Magnificat is imbued with themes and imagery from the OT. It closely resembles the Song of Hannah in 1 Sam 2:1-10, while other passages illumine the background (Ps 89:10, 13; 98:3; 111:9; Sir 33:12; Hab 3:18) Source: Ignatius Catholic Study Bible. ← [[20250428-marys-words|Previous]] | [[20250430-marys-words|Next]] →