What does Luke 1:46 mean?

When the angel Gabriel approached an unmarried virgin (Luke 1:26–27), she responded to his amazing news (Luke 1:31–33) with humility and obedience (Luke 1:38). The angel's message included references to Old Testament prophecy (2 Samuel 7:12–16; Isaiah 9:6–7). Those predictions were about the birth of the Messiah, who Mary will bear and name Jesus. The song Mary recites in this passage (Luke 1:47–55) is sometimes called "The Magnificat," and it demonstrates her familiarity with the Old Testament. Several of her comments either quote or refer to Scripture. The first part of her speech sounds very much like 1 Samuel 2:1–10. This is an example of a woman rejoicing over expecting a child.

Mary went to visit her relative, Elizabeth, as soon as she heard of her own pregnancy. Both Elizabeth and her unborn child reacted to the presence of the also-unborn Savior (Luke 1:41–42). Mary's reply here echoes that joyful response. It also continues the humble, faithful attitude she expressed when she was first visited by Gabriel.

To "magnify" God is to extoll, proclaim, celebrate, or approve of Him. This same attitude is expressed elsewhere in Scripture (Psalm 34:3; 1 Chronicles 17:23–24; Acts 10:46).

Mary's declaration also includes her admission of a need for salvation. Contrary to suggestions that she was sinless, or a component of God's forgiveness, Mary clearly notes that God is her "Savior" (Luke 1:47).