And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
Read it in contextMary's Song (The Magnificat)
Start reading at Luke 1:39 (Luke 1:39 to Luke 1:55).
The Magnificat is Mary's Spirit-inspired response to Elisabeth's greeting and blessing. Starting at Luke 1:39 provides the immediate narrative context of Mary's journey and interaction with Elisabeth that prompts her song of praise.
1:39And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
1:40And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
1:41And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
1:42And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
1:43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
1:44For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
1:45And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
1:46And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
1:47And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
1:48For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
1:49For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
1:50And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
1:51He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
1:52He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
1:53He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
1:54He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
1:55As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 1:1–1:80): Luke addresses Theophilus in the preface. Zacharias, Elisabeth, Mary, Gabriel, relatives, and neighbors appear in the birth-announcement accounts. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
What is the main event or theme? The verse is part of Mary's song of praise, known as the Magnificat, celebrating God's enduring mercy and faithfulness to those who revere Him, extending through all generations.
What is God revealing? God is revealing His steadfast character of mercy and faithfulness, which is consistently shown to those who fear Him across generations. This mercy is rooted in His covenant promises and demonstrated through His powerful acts of salvation and exaltation of the humble. This is consistent with Old Testament declarations of God's character. (Exod 20:6, Ps 103:17)
What is the literary style? The verse is part of a poetic song or hymn of praise, characteristic of Old Testament psalms and prophetic declarations, embedded within a Gospel narrative. The Gospel of Luke itself is a narrative genre.
When
When was it written? The Gospel of Luke was written approximately A.D. 60 to 62.
When does the event take place? The event described, Mary's song, takes place around 5 B.C., during Mary's visit to her cousin Elisabeth, shortly after the Annunciation. (Luke 1:39, 1:56)
Where
Where did it happen? The event happened in the hill country of Juda, specifically in the house of Zacharias, where Elisabeth lived. (Luke 1:39-40)
Where was the author located? The place where Luke wrote his Gospel is uncertain; it was possibly Caesarea or Rome.
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Mary's Song (The Magnificat) (Luke 1:46 to Luke 1:55).
Start reading at Luke 1:39. The Magnificat is Mary's Spirit-inspired response to Elisabeth's greeting and blessing. Starting at Luke 1:39 provides the immediate narrative context of Mary's journey and interaction with Elisabeth that prompts her song of praise.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This verse is a central declaration within Mary's Magnificat, a song of praise that immediately follows Elisabeth's Spirit-filled blessing of Mary. It articulates Mary's profound understanding of God's character—His mercy and faithfulness—as the underlying reason for the miraculous events surrounding the conceptions of both Jesus and John. It sets a theological tone for the entire Gospel, emphasizing God's covenant loyalty and His consistent work through history. (Luke 1:46-55) stated in the text
How does it point to Christ? The mercy of God, which is 'from generation to generation' for those who fear Him, is supremely and ultimately manifested in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate expressions of God's enduring mercy, fulfilling ancient promises and providing salvation for all who fear Him and believe. Mary's song itself anticipates this mercy being shown to Israel through Christ. (Luke 1:54-55) interpretation
How do I apply it today? Believers today can find profound assurance in God's unchanging mercy and faithfulness. This verse encourages a reverent fear of God, reminding us that His steadfast love extends through all generations to those who honor Him, providing comfort and hope in His enduring promises and His continued work in the world. (Ps 103:17-18) interpretation
Cited: Luke 1:39-40, Luke 1:46-55, Luke 1:54-55, Exod 20:6, Ps 103:17, Ps 103:17-18
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of PaulFrom early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name. Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 1
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Connection to the wholeThe dedication explains the account's purpose; the announcement to Zacharias introduces the child who will prepare a people for the Lord.
Connection to the wholeJohn's naming and Zacharias' prophecy identify his preparatory role and bring the opening chapter toward the arrival of the promised salvation.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.