Be Magnified Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Don Moen's "Be Magnified" is a deeply reflective and powerful worship song that delves into themes of repentance, surrender, and the ultimate exaltation of God. The song opens with a personal confession, where the singer acknowledges a past failure to fully grasp God's true nature and capability. It speaks to the human tendency to minimize God in our understanding or to doubt His ability to intervene and help, identifying this as a significant error requiring forgiveness. This initial section sets a tone of humility and self-awareness, recognizing a departure from a proper perspective of the divine.
The progression within the verses moves from this acknowledgment of fault towards a desire for spiritual correction and a renewed focus on God. Phrases within the lyrics convey a turning point, where the singer recognizes their wrong thinking and seeks healing for the heart. There is an earnest plea for God to demonstrate His strength, not just in the external world, but in the internal life of the worshipper. The resolution in the verses centers on the commitment to magnify God through one's perspective and expression, specifically "in my eyes, and with my song." This signifies a conscious decision to elevate God to His rightful place of preeminence in one's sight and worship.
A subsequent verse introduces another common human failing: relying on human wisdom and counsel instead of divine guidance. The lyrics express regret for responding to the perspectives of others over the light and mercy offered by God. This reiterates the theme of misplaced trust and a deflection of focus away from the ultimate source of truth and help. Like the first verse, it transitions into a similar resolution, seeking forgiveness, healing, and God's self-revelation, culminating in the same resolve to magnify Him. The structure of the verses highlights recurring patterns of human error and the consistent path back to centering on God.
The core message and declaration of the song reside in its chorus. This section shifts from personal confession to a universal truth about God's nature and a corporate call to worship. It boldly declares that God is "highly exalted" and possesses unlimited power, stating definitively that "there is nothing you can't do." The chorus reinforces the theme of redirecting attention, emphasizing "O Lord, my eyes are on you." The repeated cry, "Be magnified O Lord," serves as both a prayer and a declaration, asking for God to be shown forth in His greatness and affirming His worthiness of being made great in the eyes of all.
The song's message resonates deeply with several biblical themes. The idea of repenting for limiting God echoes scriptures that speak of God's omnipotence and sovereignty (e.g., Jeremiah 32:17, Luke 1:37). Acknowledging reliance on human wisdom over God's aligns with passages contrasting worldly understanding with divine wisdom (e.g., Proverbs 3:5-6, 1 Corinthians 1:25). The central call to "magnify" or exalt God reflects numerous psalms and worship passages that encourage praising and lifting up the name of the Lord (e.g., Psalm 34:3, Psalm 99:5). Fixing one's eyes on God is a biblical concept found in passages encouraging faith and trust in Him above all else (e.g., Hebrews 12:2, Psalm 121:1). The song encapsulates a journey from a flawed human perspective to a correct, God-centered view rooted in biblical truth.
Often performed in live worship settings, the song's simple yet profound lyrics and memorable melody contribute to its enduring appeal as a powerful tool for personal reflection and corporate worship. The recorded versions, including live performances like the one released on 2022-04-12, capture the atmosphere of surrender and adoration as worshippers join in the declaration. The song serves as an invitation for listeners to examine their own understanding of God, confess any limitations placed upon Him in their hearts, and intentionally shift their focus to His infinite power, mercy, and supreme worthiness of being magnified above all else. It is a call to align one's perspective with God's reality and respond with worship that exalts Him alone.
![Be Magnified Lyrics - Don Moen]()
