New International Version for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, New Living Translation For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. English Standard Version for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; Berean Standard Bible For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed. Berean Literal Bible For He looked upon the humiliation of His maidservant. For behold, from now on all the generations will call me blessed. King James Bible For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. New King James Version For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. New American Standard Bible “For He has had regard for the humble state of His bond-servant; For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed. NASB 1995 “For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. NASB 1977 “For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. Legacy Standard Bible For He has looked upon the humble state of His slave, For behold, from this time on, all generations will count me blessed. Amplified Bible “For He has looked [with loving care] on the humble state of His maidservant; For behold, from now on all generations will count me blessed and happy and favored by God! Berean Annotated Bible For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed. Christian Standard Bible because he has looked with favor on the humble condition of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, Holman Christian Standard Bible because He has looked with favor on the humble condition of His slave. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, American Standard Version For he hath looked upon the low estate of his handmaid: For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Contemporary English Version God cares for me, his humble servant. From now on, all people will say God has blessed me. English Revised Version For he hath looked upon the low estate of his handmaiden: For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. GOD'S WORD® Translation because he has looked favorably on me, his humble servant. "From now on, all people will call me blessed Good News Translation for he has remembered me, his lowly servant! From now on all people will call me happy, International Standard Version because he has looked favorably on his humble servant. From now on, all generations will call me blessed, NET Bible because he has looked upon the humble state of his servant. For from now on all generations will call me blessed, New Heart English Bible for he has looked at the humble state of his servant girl. For look, from now on all generations will call me blessed. Webster's Bible Translation For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for behold, from henceforth all generations will call me blessed. Weymouth New Testament Because He has not turned from His maidservant in her lowly position; For from this time forward all generations will account me happy, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed. World English Bible for he has looked at the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBecause He looked on the lowliness of His maidservant, "" For behold, from now on all the generations will call me blessed, Berean Literal Bible For He looked upon the humiliation of His maidservant. For behold, from now on all the generations will call me blessed. Young's Literal Translation Because He looked on the lowliness of His maid-servant, For, lo, henceforth call me happy shall all the generations, Smith's Literal Translation For he looked upon the humiliation of his servant; for, behold, from now shall all generations deem me happy. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBecause he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Catholic Public Domain Version For he has looked with favor on the humility of his handmaid. For behold, from this time, all generations shall call me blessed. New American Bible For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. New Revised Standard Version for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor he has regarded the meekness of his handmaid; for behold, from henceforth, all generations shall envy me. Aramaic Bible in Plain English “For he has regarded the lowliness of his Maidservant, for behold, from this hour all generations will ascribe blessedness to me.” NT Translations Anderson New Testamentfor he has looked upon the lowly condition of his handmaid. For, behold, from this time, all generations shall call me blessed; Godbey New Testament because He looked upon the low state of his handmaiden. Haweis New Testament for he hath looked upon the lowly state of his maid-servant: for, lo! henceforth shall all generations pronounce me blessed. Mace New Testament for he hath regarded the low estate of his servant: and future ages shall proclaim me blessed. Weymouth New Testament Because He has not turned from His maidservant in her lowly position; For from this time forward all generations will account me happy, Worrell New Testament because He looked upon the lowliness of His handmaid; for, behold, from the present time all generations will call me happy; Worsley New Testament for behold, from henceforth shall all generations call me blessed: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Mary's Song…47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! 48For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed. 49For the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is His name.… Cross References For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. 1 Samuel 1:11 And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever touch his head.” Psalm 138:6 Though the LORD is on high, He attends to the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar. Psalm 113:7 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the dump From now on all generations will call me blessed. Genesis 30:13 Leah said, “How happy I am! For the women call me happy.” So she named him Asher. Proverbs 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well: Psalm 45:17 I will commemorate your name through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you forever and ever. 1 Samuel 2:1-10 At that time Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, for I rejoice in Your salvation. / There is no one holy like the LORD. Indeed, there is no one besides You! And there is no Rock like our God. / Do not boast so proudly, or let arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by Him actions are weighed. … Isaiah 61:9 Their descendants will be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed. Isaiah 66:2 Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word. 1 Samuel 2:8 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world. Job 5:11 He sets the lowly on high, so that mourners are lifted to safety. Psalm 34:2 My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice. Psalm 102:17 He will turn toward the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their prayer. Psalm 136:23 He remembered us in our low estate His loving devotion endures forever. Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 23:12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Treasury of Scripture For he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from now on all generations shall call me blessed. regarded. 1 Samuel 1:11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no rasor come upon his head. 1 Samuel 2:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them. 2 Samuel 7:8,18,19 Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel: … all. Luke 1:28,42 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women… Luke 11:27 And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. Genesis 30:13 And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher. Jump to Previous Account Blessed Blessing Bondmaid Bondslave Count Estate Forward Generations Handmaid Happy Henceforth Hour Humble Low Maidservant Mindful Pity Placed Poor Position Regard Regarded Servant State Time Turned WitnessJump to Next Account Blessed Blessing Bondmaid Bondslave Count Estate Forward Generations Handmaid Happy Henceforth Hour Humble Low Maidservant Mindful Pity Placed Poor Position Regard Regarded Servant State Time Turned WitnessLuke 1 1. The preface of Luke to his whole gospel.5. The conception of John the Baptist; 26. and of Jesus. 39. The prophecy of Elisabeth and of Mary, concerning Jesus. 57. The nativity and circumcision of John. 67. The prophecy of Zachariah, both of Jesus, 76. and of John. For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. Mary recognizes that God has graciously regarded her lowly position and received her willing submission to His purpose. God repeatedly chooses those whom the world overlooks, raising David from shepherding and calling Gideon from obscurity. Her humility stands in contrast to human pride and reflects the pattern that God gives grace to the humble. As the Lord’s servant, Mary accepts a costly and sacred calling: she will bear the promised Messiah while entrusting her reputation, future, and safety to God’s care. Her role also recalls faithful servants such as Moses and the Servant foretold in Isaiah, whose lives were devoted to accomplishing God’s redemptive will. 1Sa 1:11 And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of Hosts, … From now on all generations will call me blessed. Mary foresees that believers throughout the ages will honor her as uniquely blessed because the Lord chose her to bear His Son. Such honor does not elevate Mary as the source of salvation; it magnifies the grace of God, who fulfilled His promise through her. Her blessedness rests in God’s favor and in her faithful reception of His word. The birth of Jesus through the virgin Mary fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy of Immanuel, God with us. Every generation that recounts God’s saving works also remembers Mary’s obedience and the mercy displayed through the coming of Christ. Gen 30:13 Leah said, “How happy I am! For the women call me happy.”… Persons / Places / Events 1. MaryThe mother of Jesus, who is speaking in this verse. She is expressing her gratitude and amazement at God's favor upon her. 2. God The one who has shown favor to Mary, recognizing her humble state and choosing her to be the mother of the Messiah. 3. Generations Refers to all future generations who will recognize and honor Mary for her unique role in God's plan of salvation. 4. The Annunciation The event where the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive and bear the Son of God, which is the context of this passage. 5. Israel The nation through which God promised to bring the Messiah, and Mary is a part of this covenant community. Teaching Points God's Favor on the HumbleGod often chooses the humble and lowly to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating His grace and sovereignty. The Role of Mary Mary serves as a model of faith and obedience, showing how God can use anyone, regardless of their status, for His divine plans. Generational Impact Our actions and faithfulness can have a lasting impact on future generations, just as Mary's faithfulness has led to her being called blessed. Recognition of God's Work Like Mary, we should recognize and praise God for His work in our lives, acknowledging His blessings and favor. Living as Servants Emulating Mary's humility and willingness to serve God can lead to a life that is blessed and impactful. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Luke 1:48?2. How does Luke 1:48 inspire humility and gratitude in your daily life? 3. What does "He has looked with favor" reveal about God's character? 4. How can Mary's example in Luke 1:48 influence your faith journey? 5. Connect Luke 1:48 with other scriptures on God's favor and mercy. 6. How can you acknowledge God's blessings as Mary did in Luke 1:48? 7. How does Luke 1:48 reflect Mary's understanding of her role in God's plan? 8. Why is Mary's humility significant in Luke 1:48? 9. How does Luke 1:48 influence the Christian view of humility and servitude? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 1? What Does Luke 1:48 Mean For He has looked with favor“ ‘For He has looked with favor …’ ” (Luke 1:48a) - God’s gaze is purposeful; His “favor” is active compassion. Luke 1:30 echoes it: “you have found favor with God.” - Similar divine attention appears in Exodus 3:7 (“I have surely seen the affliction of My people”) and Psalm 33:18 (“the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him”). - The Almighty initiates every redemptive story. Just as 2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro … to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him,” Mary’s experience showcases that gracious initiative. on the humble state of His servant “… on the humble state of His servant …” (Luke 1:48b) - “Humble state” describes more than poverty; it is the heart-posture God esteems (Isaiah 57:15; James 4:6). - Calling herself “servant” aligns Mary with Old Testament figures like Hannah (1 Samuel 1:11) and David (Psalm 86:16). - God consistently elevates the lowly: “He raises the poor from the dust” (1 Samuel 2:8) and “opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). - Mary’s humility sets the tone for the entire Magnificat; the rest of her song (Luke 1:51-53) contrasts human pride with divine exaltation of the meek. From now on all generations “ ‘From now on all generations …’ ” (Luke 1:48c) - “From now on” marks a pivot in salvation history. With the Incarnation underway (John 1:14), time itself gains a “fullness” (Galatians 4:4). - “All generations” recalls God’s covenant promise to Abraham: “all the families of the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). - The phrase shows confidence that God’s act in Mary reverberates far beyond her lifetime, reaching every era until Revelation 7:9 “a multitude … from every nation.” will call me blessed “… will call me blessed.” (Luke 1:48d) - “Blessed” means acknowledged as favored by God. Proverbs 31:28 uses identical language: “her children rise up and call her blessed.” - Jesus later affirms the deeper source of that blessing: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:27-28). Mary qualifies on both counts—she bore the Word and believed it (Luke 1:45). - Believers honor Mary without adoring her; the spotlight stays on the Lord who blessed her (Luke 1:49). - Every Christmas carol, creed, and testimony that mentions her fulfills this prophecy, proving Scripture’s reliability. summary Luke 1:48 presents a four-fold testimony: God actively notices, He chooses the humble, He launches a work that spans every generation, and He causes His people to recognize His blessings. Mary’s words are both personal and prophetic, celebrating a God who exalts servants and ensures His redemptive purposes echo through time. (48) The low estate of his handmaiden.—Note the recurrence of the word that had been used in Luke 1:37, as expressing the character which she was now ready to accept, whatever it might involve.All generations shall call me blessed.—The words have, of course, been partly instrumental in bringing about their own fulfilment; but what a vision of the future they must have implied then on the part of the village maiden who uttered them! Not her kinswoman only, but all generations should join in that beatitude. Greek Forὅτι (hoti) Conjunction Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. He has looked with favor ἐπέβλεψεν (epeblepsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1914: To look with favor on, regard. From epi and blepo; to gaze at. on ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. humble state ταπείνωσιν (tapeinōsin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 5014: Abasement (in spirit), low condition (in circumstances). From tapeinoo; depression. of τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. servant. δούλης (doulēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 1399: A female slave, bonds-maid. Feminine of doulos; a female slave. From ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. now on νῦν (nyn) Adverb Strong's 3568: A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate. all πᾶσαι (pasai) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. generations γενεαί (geneai) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural Strong's 1074: From genos; a generation; by implication, an age. will call me blessed. μακαριοῦσίν (makariousin) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 3106: To bless, pronounce blessed or happy. From makarios; to beatify, i.e. Pronounce fortunate. Additonal Resources Luke 1:48 Blue Letter BibleLuke 1:48 Bible Gateway Luke 1:48 Bible.com Luke 1:48 NIV |
    |