Χαῖρε meaning in Luke 1.27

[Fatima-Crusader]

Χαῖρε translates as rejoice in Luke 1.27, how did it become Hail?

 

[BartholomewB]

Here you can see all 74 occurrences of the verb in the NT. As you say, the primary meaning is “rejoice” or “be glad”, but it is also sometimes used as a form of greeting, possibly originating from something along the lines of “I’m pleased to see you”.

https://biblehub.com/greek/strongs_5463.htm

 

[Mintaka]

Chaire is a standard greeting in Ancient Greek.

If you take the Great Learning course of “Greek 101,” the first thing out of the prof’s mouth is “Chaire, mathetai!”

 

[John_Martin]

74 occurrences of the verb in the NT

Of those, the 2nd Person Singular Imperative is only used in addressing Jesus as Master (Rabbi) and King, and once to the Queen Mother, for all the kings in the line of David have recognition of their mothers in the Scriptures.
A king (or master or queen mother) is never commanded to rejoice, nor anything else. But “Hail” is proper. It is Gabriel who bent the knee before Mary; he made no commands.
Χαῖρε is only said to a superior in humble respect (or in defiant sarcasm to insult Jesus)

John Martin

 

[John_Martin]

If you take the Great Learning course of “Greek 101,” the first thing out of the prof’s mouth is “Chaire, mathetai!”

I remember that at seminary; and it troubled me years later realizing how rare the greeting in Greek writings but how common in language class. It is a greeting giving honor, not a notice of presence, like “hello”.