Add parallel Print Page Options

50 from[a] generation to generation he is merciful[b] to those who fear[c] him.
51 He has demonstrated power[d] with his arm; he has scattered those whose pride wells up from the sheer arrogance[e] of their hearts.
52 He has brought down the mighty[f] from their thrones, and has lifted up those of lowly position;[g]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Luke 1:50 tn Grk “and from.” Here καί (kai) has been translated by a semicolon to improve the English style.
  2. Luke 1:50 sn God’s mercy refers to his “loyal love” or “steadfast love,” expressed in faithful actions, as the rest of the psalm illustrates.
  3. Luke 1:50 tn That is, “who revere.” This refers to those who show God a reverential respect for his sovereignty.
  4. Luke 1:51 tn Or “shown strength,” “performed powerful deeds.” The verbs here switch to aorist tense through 1:55. This is how God will act in general for his people as they look to his ultimate deliverance.
  5. Luke 1:51 tn Grk “in the imaginations of their hearts.” The psalm rebukes the arrogance of the proud, who think that power is their sovereign right. Here διανοίᾳ (dianoia) can be understood as a dative of sphere or reference/respect.
  6. Luke 1:52 tn Or “rulers.”
  7. Luke 1:52 tn Or “those of humble position”sn The contrast between the mighty and those of lowly position is fundamental for Luke. God cares for those that the powerful ignore (Luke 4:18-19).