Among the many beautiful songs in the Bible, few shine as brightly as the one spoken by Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her words are rich in praise, deeply rooted in Scripture, and filled with joy and humility. Known today as the Magnificat, Mary's song is found in the Gospel of Luke. But many wonder — is this song also a psalm​? And if so, which psalm did Mary write?

To explore this question, we must understand the nature of biblical psalms, the tradition of Hebrew poetry, and how the New Testament connects with the Old. We will also examine Mary’s song in detail, its connection to earlier psalms, and whether it can rightly be called a psalm in its own right.

What Is a Psalm?

In the Bible, a psalm is a sacred song or poem used in worship. The Book of Psalms in the Old Testament contains 150 such writings. Most were composed by King David, but others were written by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous authors.

Psalms often express emotions like joy, sorrow, gratitude, fear, or hope. They are poetic in form and rich in spiritual meaning. Some are personal, others are communal. They were meant to be sung or recited in prayer and worship.

Though the Book of Psalms is the central collection, the Bible includes other poetic songs outside that book. The Song of Moses, the Song of Deborah, Hannah’s song, and others appear in the historical books. These are similar to psalms in tone and structure, though not part of the official Psalter.

Mary's Song in the Gospel of Luke

Mary’s song is found in Luke 1:46–55. It begins with the words:

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior..."

Because of this opening phrase, it is traditionally called the Magnificat, from the Latin word for “magnifies.” It is one of the earliest Christian hymns and one of the most famous songs in all of Scripture. It is spoken after Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, who greets her with a blessing. In response, Mary lifts her voice in praise.

The song reflects deep reverence, theological depth, and literary beauty. It reveals Mary’s awareness of God’s promises and her role in the unfolding story of salvation.

Is the Magnificat a Psalm?

Though not part of the Old Testament Psalter, the Magnificat fits the characteristics of a psalm. It is poetic, lyrical, and deeply spiritual. It is addressed to God. It includes personal reflection and public declaration. It draws heavily from the Old Testament — especially the psalms themselves.

In this sense, Mary’s song is indeed a psalm. It may not be numbered among the 150 psalms of David, but it continues the tradition of Hebrew psalmody. It echoes the style, language, and themes of ancient psalms while introducing new meaning through the coming of Christ.

Mary as a Psalmist

Mary lived in a devout Jewish culture. The Hebrew Scriptures were read aloud in synagogue and recited in the home. Girls were not typically educated like boys, but many memorized Scripture and participated in worship. Mary's familiarity with Scripture is evident in her song.

The structure of her words reflects careful thought, spiritual maturity, and a deep grasp of Israel’s history. Her language suggests that she meditated on the psalms. Her song is not simply spontaneous emotion; it is shaped by centuries of Jewish praise and prophecy.

If Mary did not compose a psalm in the official sense, she still stands in the line of Israel’s sacred singers. Her voice joins theirs — and her words are now treasured by generations of Christians in liturgy and devotion.

Connections to the Psalms of David

Mary’s Magnificat is filled with phrases and ideas drawn from the Book of Psalms. For example, her opening line — "My soul magnifies the Lord" — is similar to Psalm 34:3:
"Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together."

Her reference to God as Savior echoes Psalm 25:5:
"You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long."

She says that God has scattered the proud and lifted up the humble. This mirrors Psalm 147:6:
"The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked to the ground."

The theme of God feeding the hungry appears in Psalm 107:9:
"For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things."

These parallels are not accidental. Mary is not merely quoting scripture. She is praying and praising in the style of the psalmists. She takes their ancient expressions and gives them new meaning in light of the coming Messiah.

Echoes of Hannah’s Song

In addition to the psalms, Mary’s song closely resembles the Song of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1–10. Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel, also praised God for lifting the lowly and overturning the proud. Her prayer begins:
"My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord."

Like Mary, Hannah praised God’s power, holiness, mercy, and justice. She celebrated how God helps the poor and brings down the mighty. The similarities are strong, suggesting that Mary was inspired by Hannah’s words as she reflected on her own miraculous pregnancy.

In this way, Mary’s Magnificat is a continuation of a long tradition. It brings together the voices of women and men, prophets and kings, all praising the God who keeps His promises.

A Psalm for the New Covenant

The psalms in the Old Testament looked forward to the fulfillment of God's promises. They expressed longing, trust, and hope. Mary’s song celebrates the beginning of that fulfillment.

Her song is a bridge between the old and the new. She praises the God of Abraham while celebrating the birth of the Savior. She speaks of God’s mercy, faithfulness, and strength — the very themes found in Psalm after Psalm.

Yet the Magnificat adds something new. It rejoices not only in what God has done but in what He is doing now. The Savior is not merely promised — He is present in her womb.

This makes Mary’s song a psalm for the New Covenant. It is a song of fulfillment, joy, and transformation. It is both ancient and new, rooted in tradition and bursting with hope.

So, Which Psalm Did Mary Write?

If one asks which specific numbered psalm Mary wrote, the answer is none. Her words are not included in the Book of Psalms. They appear in the Gospel of Luke, written centuries later and in Greek, not Hebrew.

But if we understand “psalm” in a broader sense — as a sacred song inspired by God and filled with praise — then Mary’s Magnificat stands as one of the most beautiful psalms ever composed.

It is not Psalm 23 or Psalm 51. It is not labeled Psalm 151, though some have suggested that as a symbolic title. It is simply the Magnificat: Mary’s own song, her own psalm, flowing from her spirit in praise to her God and Savior.

Conclusion: A Psalm in Every Sense

Mary may not be listed among the authors of the Psalms, but she joins their chorus. Her Magnificat is deeply psalmic in tone, structure, and content. It is the song of a young woman filled with wonder and awe. It is the prayer of a believer grounded in the promises of God. It is the cry of faith and hope at the dawn of redemption.

So did Mary write a psalm? In every way that matters — yes. And the Church has sung it ever since.