CINXE.COM
Luke 1:52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 1:52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/1-52.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/42_Luk_01_52.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 1:52 - Mary's Song" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/luke/1-52.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/luke/1-52.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 52</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/1-51.htm" title="Luke 1:51">◄</a> Luke 1:52 <a href="/luke/1-53.htm" title="Luke 1:53">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/luke/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/luke/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/luke/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/luke/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/luke/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />He has brought down rulers from thrones, and exalted <i>the</i> humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/luke/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He hath put down the mighty from <i>their</i> seats, and exalted them of low degree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/luke/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He has put down the mighty from <i>their</i> thrones, And exalted <i>the</i> lowly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/luke/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“He has brought down rulers from <i>their</i> thrones, And has exalted those who were humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/luke/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/luke/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“He has brought down rulers from <i>their</i> thrones, And has exalted those who were humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/luke/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He has brought down rulers from <i>their</i> thrones, And has exalted those who were humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/luke/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“He has brought down rulers from <i>their</i> thrones, And exalted those who were humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/luke/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />he has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/luke/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/luke/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He hath put down princes from their thrones, And hath exalted them of low degree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/luke/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God drags strong rulers from their thrones and puts humble people in places of power. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/luke/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He hath put down princes from their thrones, And hath exalted them of low degree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/luke/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He pulled strong rulers from their thrones. He honored humble people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/luke/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He has brought down mighty kings from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/luke/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He pulled powerful rulers from their thrones and lifted up humble people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/luke/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/luke/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He has brought down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up those of lowly position; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/luke/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He has put down princes from their thrones. And has exalted the lowly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/luke/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />He has cast monarchs down from their thrones, And exalted men of low estate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/luke/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He has put down princes from their thrones, and has exalted the lowly. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/luke/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />He brought down the mighty from thrones, "" And He exalted the lowly,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />He has brought down rulers from thrones, and exalted <i>the</i> humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/luke/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> He brought down the mighty from thrones, And He exalted the lowly,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/luke/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He has pulled down the powerful from thrones, and lifted up the.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/luke/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/luke/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />He has deposed the powerful from their seat, and he has exalted the humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/luke/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/luke/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/luke/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He has put down the mighty from their seats, and he has lifted up the meek.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“He has cast down the mighty from thrones and has raised up the lowly.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/luke/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/luke/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />He cast down the mighty from thrones and exalted the humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/luke/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />He hath cast down potentates from the throne, and hath exalted the lowly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/luke/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />he has cast down princes from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />He has cast monarchs down from their thrones, And exalted men of low estate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/luke/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />He deposed potentates from thrones, and exalted the lowly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/luke/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />He hath cast down the mighty from <i>their</i> thrones, and exalted the humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/luke/1-52.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=407" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/luke/1.htm">Mary's Song</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">51</span>He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in the thoughts of their hearts. <span class="reftext">52</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2507.htm" title="2507: katheilen (V-AIA-3S) -- (a) I take down, pull down, depose, destroy. From kata and haireomai; to lower demolish.">He has brought down</a> <a href="/greek/1413.htm" title="1413: dynastas (N-AMP) -- (lit: a man who rules by force), a ruler, potentate; also: courtier, member of the court. From dunamai; a ruler or officer.">rulers</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">from</a> <a href="/greek/2362.htm" title="2362: thronōn (N-GMP) -- From thrao; a stately seat; by implication, power or a potentate.">their thrones,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">but</a> <a href="/greek/5312.htm" title="5312: hypsōsen (V-AIA-3S) -- (a) I raise on high, lift up, (b) I exalt, set on high. From hupsos; to elevate.">has exalted</a> <a href="/greek/5011.htm" title="5011: tapeinous (Adj-AMP) -- Humble, lowly, in position or spirit (in a good sense). Of uncertain derivation; depressed, i.e. humiliated.">the humble.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">53</span>He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</a></span><br />But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-7.htm">1 Samuel 2:7-8</a></span><br />The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. / He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12</a></span><br />For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5-6</a></span><br />Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” / Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/75-6.htm">Psalm 75:6-7</a></span><br />For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, / but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-34.htm">Proverbs 3:34</a></span><br />He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-37.htm">Daniel 4:37</a></span><br />Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/21-26.htm">Ezekiel 21:26</a></span><br />This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Remove the turban, and take off the crown. Things will not remain as they are: Exalt the lowly and bring low the exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/5-11.htm">Job 5:11</a></span><br />He sets the lowly on high, so that mourners are lifted to safety.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/107-40.htm">Psalm 107:40-41</a></span><br />He pours out contempt on the nobles and makes them wander in a trackless wasteland. / But He lifts the needy from affliction and increases their families like flocks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/2-11.htm">Isaiah 2:11-12</a></span><br />The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. / For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/13-11.htm">Isaiah 13:11</a></span><br />I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity. I will end the haughtiness of the arrogant and lay low the pride of the ruthless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3</a></span><br />“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-5.htm">Matthew 5:5</a></span><br />Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27-28</a></span><br />But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He has put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.</p><p class="hdg">put.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/18-14.htm">Luke 18:14</a></b></br> I tell you, this man went down to his house justified <i>rather</i> than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-4.htm">1 Samuel 2:4,6-8</a></b></br> The bows of the mighty men <i>are</i> broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/5-11.htm">Job 5:11-13</a></b></br> To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/1-29.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/daniel/8-24.htm">Degree</a> <a href="/luke/1-48.htm">Estate</a> <a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">Exalted</a> <a href="/luke/1-39.htm">High</a> <a href="/luke/1-48.htm">Humble</a> <a href="/mark/13-9.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/matthew/17-8.htm">Lifting</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-9.htm">Lowly</a> <a href="/luke/1-51.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/matthew/20-25.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/mark/13-9.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/mark/14-15.htm">Seats</a> <a href="/matthew/19-28.htm">Thrones</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/3-9.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/john/12-36.htm">Degree</a> <a href="/luke/15-12.htm">Estate</a> <a href="/luke/10-15.htm">Exalted</a> <a href="/luke/1-76.htm">High</a> <a href="/romans/12-16.htm">Humble</a> <a href="/luke/7-25.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/luke/1-69.htm">Lifting</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">Lowly</a> <a href="/luke/1-69.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/luke/7-3.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/luke/11-43.htm">Seats</a> <a href="/luke/22-30.htm">Thrones</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-1.htm">The preface of Luke to his whole gospel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-5.htm">The conception of John the Baptist;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-26.htm">and of Jesus.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-39.htm">The prophecy of Elisabeth and of Mary, concerning Jesus.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">57. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-57.htm">The nativity and circumcision of John.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">67. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-67.htm">The prophecy of Zachariah, both of Jesus,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">76. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-76.htm">and of John.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He has brought down rulers from their thrones</b><br>This phrase reflects the theme of divine reversal, where God overturns human power structures. Throughout the Bible, God is depicted as sovereign over all nations and rulers. Historical examples include the fall of Pharaoh in Exodus, the downfall of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel, and the demise of Herod in Acts. These events illustrate God's ability to humble the proud and powerful. The phrase also echoes the prophetic tradition found in the Old Testament, such as in <a href="/isaiah/40-23.htm">Isaiah 40:23</a>, which speaks of God reducing rulers to nothing. This theme is consistent with the biblical narrative that emphasizes God's ultimate authority over earthly powers.<p><b>but has exalted the humble</b><br>This part of the verse highlights God's favor towards the humble and lowly, a recurring theme in Scripture. The exaltation of the humble is seen in the lives of biblical figures like David, who was chosen as king despite his humble beginnings as a shepherd, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, who was a young, humble woman chosen to bear the Messiah. This concept is further reinforced in the Beatitudes (<a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3-12</a>), where Jesus blesses the poor in spirit and the meek. The exaltation of the humble is a key aspect of God's kingdom, where the last shall be first, and the first shall be last (<a href="/matthew/19-30.htm">Matthew 19:30</a>). This principle is also a type of Christ, who, though being in very nature God, humbled Himself and was exalted by God (<a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-11</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/mary.htm">Mary</a></b><br>The mother of Jesus, who is speaking these words as part of her Magnificat, a song of praise to God for His mighty works and mercy.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/rulers.htm">Rulers</a></b><br>Symbolic of those in positions of power and authority who are often prideful and self-reliant.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_humble.htm">The Humble</a></b><br>Those who are lowly in spirit, often marginalized or oppressed, who rely on God rather than their own strength.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_magnificat.htm">The Magnificat</a></b><br>The song of Mary found in <a href="/luke/1-46.htm">Luke 1:46-55</a>, expressing themes of God's justice, mercy, and reversal of human expectations.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The overarching theme of God's control and intervention in human affairs, as He lifts the humble and brings down the proud.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_reversal_of_human_expectations.htm">God's Reversal of Human Expectations</a></b><br>God's kingdom operates on principles that often reverse worldly values. The proud are brought low, and the humble are lifted up.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_humility.htm">The Importance of Humility</a></b><br>Humility is a key virtue in the Christian life. It aligns us with God's purposes and opens us to His grace and favor.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He is just and will ultimately exalt the humble.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_pride.htm">The Danger of Pride</a></b><br>Pride leads to downfall. Christians are called to examine their hearts and rid themselves of prideful attitudes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_out_the_magnificat.htm">Living Out the Magnificat</a></b><br>Like Mary, believers are called to live lives of praise and gratitude, recognizing God's mighty works in their lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'lord_of_the_harvest'_mean.htm">Mary, did you know your son would change the world?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_hope_if_it_is_already_seen.htm">What does the Bible say about greatness and smallness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_true_meaning_of_nativity.htm">What is the true meaning of the Christmas Nativity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_trust_future_blessings_for_the_poor.htm">(Luke 6:20–26) Why believe promises of future blessings for the poor and warnings for the rich when many see no real-world proof of such reversals? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(52) <span class= "bld">The mighty.</span>--The word (that from which we get our English "dynasty") is applied to the eunuch "of great authority" under Candace, in <a href="/acts/8-27.htm" title="And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,">Acts 8:27</a>, and is used as a divine name in "the blessed and only Potentate" of <a href="/1_timothy/6-15.htm" title="Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;">1Timothy 6:15</a>. Here it is used generally of all human rulers.<p><span class= "bld">From their seats.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">their thrones,</span> as the word is for the most part translated. (Comp. <a href="/matthew/19-28.htm" title="And Jesus said to them, Truly I say to you, That you which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, you also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.">Matthew 19:28</a>, and in this very chapter, <a href="/luke/1-32.htm" title="He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give to him the throne of his father David:">Luke 1:32</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Of low degree.</span>--The adjective is that from which the noun translated "low estate," in <a href="/luke/1-48.htm" title="For he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from now on all generations shall call me blessed.">Luke 1:48</a>, had been formed. . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/luke/1-52.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">He has brought down</span><br /><span class="grk">καθεῖλεν</span> <span class="translit">(katheilen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2507.htm">Strong's 2507: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I take down, pull down, depose, destroy. From kata and haireomai; to lower demolish.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rulers</span><br /><span class="grk">δυνάστας</span> <span class="translit">(dynastas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1413.htm">Strong's 1413: </a> </span><span class="str2">(lit: a man who rules by force), a ruler, potentate; also: courtier, member of the court. From dunamai; a ruler or officer.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀπὸ</span> <span class="translit">(apo)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> </span><span class="str2">From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[their] thrones,</span><br /><span class="grk">θρόνων</span> <span class="translit">(thronōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2362.htm">Strong's 2362: </a> </span><span class="str2">From thrao; a stately seat; by implication, power or a potentate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[but]</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">has exalted</span><br /><span class="grk">ὕψωσεν</span> <span class="translit">(hypsōsen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5312.htm">Strong's 5312: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I raise on high, lift up, (b) I exalt, set on high. From hupsos; to elevate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] humble.</span><br /><span class="grk">ταπεινούς</span> <span class="translit">(tapeinous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5011.htm">Strong's 5011: </a> </span><span class="str2">Humble, lowly, in position or spirit (in a good sense). Of uncertain derivation; depressed, i.e. humiliated.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/luke/1-52.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 1:52 He has put down princes from their (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/1-51.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 1:51"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 1:51" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/1-53.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 1:53"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 1:53" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>