1:51a

He has performed mighty deeds with His arm: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as He has performed mighty deeds with His arm is literally “he did power with his arm.” The phrase with His arm is used as a figure of speech to mean “with/by his power.” The clause indicates that God used his power to do mighty acts. Some versions express this idea by indicating that he showed his power by these acts. In 1:51b–55, Mary told different mighty things that God had done.

Some ways to translate this are:

• Translate the figure of speech and indicate the meaning. For example:

His mighty arm has done tremendous things! (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
He has stretched out his mighty arm (Good News Translation)

• Translate the meaning without the figure of speech. For example:

He has done mighty deeds by his power (New Century Version)
-or-
He displayed his mighty power (God’s Word)

1:51b

He has scattered: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as He has scattered refers to chasing people away. Here, it implies that God caused them to run away in different directions. This word is used in other contexts to describe how a conquering army chases away its defeated enemies.

those who are proud in the thoughts of their hearts: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as those who are proud refers to people who are arrogant. They think that they are greater than other people. The phrase in the thoughts of their hearts indicates that these people have arrogant thoughts and plans. Some other ways to translate this are:

people who are proud and think great things about themselves (New Century Version)
-or-
those who think too highly of themselves (God’s Word)
-or-
people who have arrogant thoughts/hearts
-or-
the proud with all their plans (Good News Translation)

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