Luk 1:47-55 | RWP | e4.org | Hath rejoiced ( ηγαλλιασεν ). This is aorist active indicative. Greek tenses do not correspond to those in English. The verb αγαλλιαω is a Hellenistic word from the old Greek αγαλλω . It means to exult. See the substantive αγαλλιασις in , . Mary is not excited like Elisabeth, but breathes a spirit of composed rapture. My spirit ( το πνευμα μου ). One need not press unduly the difference between "soul" ( ψυχη ) in verse and "spirit" here. Bruce calls them synonyms in parallel clauses. Vincent argues that the soul is the principle of individuality while the spirit is the point of contact between God and man. It is doubtful, however, if the trichotomous theory of man (body, soul, and spirit) is to be insisted on. It is certain that we have an inner spiritual nature for which various words are used in . Even the distinction between intellect, emotions, and will is challenged by some psychologists. God my Saviour ( τω θεω τω σοτηρ μου ). Article with each substantive. God is called Saviour in the O.T. ( , ; ).

‏ Luke 1:47-55

Hath rejoiced ( ηγαλλιασεν ). This is aorist active indicative. Greek tenses do not correspond to those in English. The verb αγαλλιαω is a Hellenistic word from the old Greek αγαλλω. It means to exult. See the substantive αγαλλιασις in Lu 1:14, 44. Mary is not excited like Elisabeth, but breathes a spirit of composed rapture.

My spirit ( το πνευμα μου ). One need not press unduly the difference between "soul" ( ψυχη ) in verse 46 and "spirit" here. Bruce calls them synonyms in parallel clauses. Vincent argues that the soul is the principle of individuality while the spirit is the point of contact between God and man. It is doubtful, however, if the trichotomous theory of man (body, soul, and spirit) is to be insisted on. It is certain that we have an inner spiritual nature for which various words are used in Mr 12:30. Even the distinction between intellect, emotions, and will is challenged by some psychologists.

God my Saviour ( τω θεω τω σοτηρ μου ). Article with each substantive. God is called Saviour in the O.T. (De 32:15, Ps 24:5; 95:1).

The low estate ( την ταπεινωσιν ). The bride of a carpenter and yet to be the mother of the Messiah. Literal sense here as in 1:52.

Shall call me blessed ( μακαριουσιν με ). So-called Attic future of an old verb, to felicitate. Elisabeth had already given her a beatitude ( μακαρια, 1:45). Another occurs in 11:27. But this is a very different thing from the worship of Mary (Mariolatry) by Roman Catholics. See my The Mother of Jesus: Her Problems and Her Glory.

Fear ( φοβουμενοις ). Dative of the present middle participle. Here it is reverential fear as in Ac 10:2; Col 3:22. The bad sense of dread appears in Mt 21:46; Mr 6:20; Lu 12:4.

Showed strength ( εποιησεν κρατος ). "Made might" (Wycliff). A Hebrew conception as in Ps 118:15. Plummer notes six aorist indicatives in this sentence (51-63), neither corresponding to our English idiom, which translates here by "hath" each time.

Imagination ( διανοια ). Intellectual insight, moral understanding.

Princes ( δυναστας ). Our word dynasty is from this word. It comes from δυναμα, to be able.

Hath holpen ( αντελαβετο ). Second aorist middle indicative. A very common verb. It means to lay hold of with a view to help or succour.

Servant ( παιδος ). Here it means "servant," not "son" or "child," its usual meaning.