What does Luke 1:51 mean?

He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. Luke 1:51

Explanation

Luke 1:51 is a part of the Magnificat, which is the song of praise Mary, the mother of Jesus, offers to God upon her visitation to Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist. This verse speaks of God’s power and His actions in the world. He is described as having “shewed strength with his arm,” which symbolizes His mighty power. The phrase “he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts” suggests that God disrupts the plans of those who are arrogant and who rely on their own understanding rather than on God. This line underlines the theme of the reversal of human fortunes by divine action—the downfall of the proud and the exaltation of the humble.

Historical Context

The Magnificat, including this verse, is set in the context of the Gospel of Luke during the era of Roman occupation of Israel, a time when the Jewish people were awaiting the Messiah, who would deliver them. At the point of this verse, Mary has recently learned of her miraculous pregnancy and visits her relative Elizabeth to share the news. The song reflects the Jewish tradition of praising God for his mighty deeds of deliverance as seen in the scriptures, such as in the songs of Miriam (Exodus 15) and Hannah (1 Samuel 2).

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse has been understood in various ways. According to Christian tradition, God’s arm represents Christ, who is the power of God unto salvation, and the scattering of the proud signifies Christ’s overthrowing of worldly power structures and authorities. The idea of God opposing the proud and exalting the humble is a recurring theme in scripture and aligns with the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), which also suggest the reversal of expected worldly order.

From a liberation theology perspective, this verse is interpreted as God standing in solidarity with the marginalized and acting against the powerful and oppressive forces in society.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse calls individuals to practice humility and to rely on God’s strength rather than personal power or pride. It is a reminder that God values a heart that is humble and that He intervenes on behalf of the lowly. This may influence how one interacts within societal structures, choosing to stand with the oppressed and to question the status quo where pride and power marginalize others.

Cross-References

• James 4:6: “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
• 1 Peter 5:5: “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”
• Psalm 138:6: “Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.”

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of this verse are:

• “strength” (Greek: κράτος, kratos): implying dominion or powerful strength.
• “scattered” (Greek: διεσκόρπισεν, dieskorpisen): meaning to disperse or scatter thoroughly.
• “proud” (Greek: ὑπερηφάνους, hyperēphanous): referring to those who are arrogant or haughty.
• “imagination” (Greek: διανοίᾳ, dianoia): meaning the mind or understanding, often implying the inner intentions or thoughts.

These original language terms suggest a strong emphasis on God’s power against human pride and self-reliance.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient religious texts and myths, themes of divine intervention against human arrogance are common. For example, in the Greek myth of Icarus, pride leads to a tragic fall. In Jewish tradition, the narrative of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) clearly demonstrates the downfall of human pride before God’s will.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not lend itself to direct scientific analysis as it speaks to divine action and attributes which are beyond the scope of empirical measurement or observation. However, the concept of humility and recognition of limitations can be valuable in scientific inquiry, reminding researchers to remain open to new evidence and to not be blinded by intellectual arrogance.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have offered various thoughts on this verse. For instance, Matthew Henry’s Commentary highlights the power and mercy of God demonstrated in the lifting of the humble and the scattering of the proud. The New Bible Commentary notes that the themes in Mary’s song, such as the reversal of human fortunes, echo the Old Testament prophetic literature’s anticipation of God’s justice and redemptive work. Various other commentaries highlight the powerful poetic imagery used in the Magnificat to convey key theological principles about God’s nature and actions in the world.