What does 'hail mary' mean?

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So your post is a perfect example of the strange apparent need by members of CAF to unnecessarily “correct” other members, even when it is completely unnecessary to do so.

The OP is exploring Catholicism. He or she has reservations about the word hail and if it crosses the line from reverence to worship. I was simply pointing out that it is a greeting.

Let me ask you this: what were you trying to accomplish with your post? Do you feel a sense of superiority because of your vast knowledge about the specific definition of the word “hail?”
 
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The Greek word translated “Hail” is χαίρω - chairō - “A primary verb; to be full of “cheer”, that is, calmly happy or well off; impersonal especially as a salutation (on meeting or parting), be well: - farewell, be glad, God speed, greeting, hail, joy (-fully), rejoice.”

Note it may be as meaningless, and as insincere, as merely “Hello” - but I suggest that when God sends an angel on a mission to deliver a message, the angel does not toss out words without meaning. In this case, even more so! This mission is of the most serious importance - to call Mary to her completely unique part in the coming of the Son of God made man, for the salvation of the world.

In other words, “Hail”, in the context, can be seen to mean, “REJOICE!” The next words of the angel are as important: this usual translation may not be the best, but the usual translation is “full of grace”. The Greek word here is a very special one, used only twice in the New Testament, and used different in the two cases used. In my judgement, the better translation is (see note below) this: To Mary, the angel said:
“Rejoice, one-having-been-graced-(unto-holiness), the Lord is with you!”

Note instead of a “Hello, Mary”, the angel tells her 1) to rejoice, and instead of her given name “Mary”, he 2) calls her by the truth of her calling in God - her “name” (so to speak) in the mind and heart of the Triune God:
one-having-been-graced-(unto-holiness).

–OR maybe this means, as Mary revealed to St. Bernadette at Lourdes, “I am the Immaculate Conception.”

Note: this exegesis on the Greek word used here is from the beautiful and thorough analysis of Fr. Ignace de La Potterie, S.J., in his book Mary in the Mystery of the Covenant.
 
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No. I was trying to ensure due reverence for Our Lady. It is totally inappropriate to say “Hi Ya” to the Mother of God.

May I ask you, if it occurs to you that you are actually doing to me the very thing you are accusing me of?
 
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It is a greeting. Nothing more and nothing less.
There was no need for your “correction.” If you wanted to chime in you should have posted to the OP directly.

I’m not correcting you in any way. You may be completely correct in your interpretation, I really don’t care.

What I don’t like is the seemingly constant practice on this forum by posters like you to “correct” others about trivial matters. It is extremely annoying.
 
Yes. Same reason he mentioned about them wearing the crucifix instead of the empty cross. Their beliefs included “the sacrificing of Jesus at every service”. Not “Worshiping the risen Lord”. This guy was a character.
Dominus vobiscum
 
There is nothing trivial about the meaning of the Angelic Salutation.

I equally don’t like people constantly talking as if details don’t matter. They do.
 
Well you’ve made your oh so important correction, wise one. I’m not interested in details so do me a solid and don’t reply to my posts in the future.
 
Well. Now this thread has been reduced to people arguing over the meaning of a simple sentence. Is it possible for me to close this so it stops? I don’t like my question being used for arguing amongst believers. I consider the question quite resolved tbh now with all the amazing help i have received…
 
I’m not arguing the meaning. The poster I’m arguing with is probably correct.

My gripe is with this forum in general. There are posters on here who do nothing but look for any and all reasons to “correct” others when no correction is needed as is the case here. Not sure why they do it, maybe to prove how smart and righteous they are to strangers on an anonymous Internet forum?

It is extremely rude, extremely condescending, and absolutely unnecessary.
 
Ahh okay. My appologies, then. I misunderstood and over reacted. Its something i am prone to, i will admit. I like having different perspectives, and i’ve learned a lot through each of them. I don’t think anyone but the Lord God can know what exactly was said and meant. We’ve had the bible translated so many times. I think its also important for me to keep in mind that when i die and go to heaven, i will understand all i need to understand and it very well might not even matter anymore, little things i mean.
 
No apology necessary. I apologize for hijacking your thread. You asked an excellent question and I am very happy that you are asking questions!
 
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