This passage contains two main themes. The reversal of social values which will become more evident later in Luke's gospel and the theme that Gods image is being promoted through the gospel to Luke's audience.

The context of the passage within the narrative of Luke is in the infancy narrative. It occurs after `Mary visits Elizabeth' and before `The birth of John the Baptist.' Elizabeth acknowledges Mary as being the mother of the savior and for being blessed and Mary responds to that news with a song of praise. A month had passed since John's conception and Mary remained 3 more months with Elizabeth until returning home, chronologically bringing the story to the birth of John.

The literary form of the passage is a hymn of praise. The passage begins with a statement of praise V46 `My soul magnifies the lord' and is followed...