It is simply that when we speak to Mary, as the angel Gabriel did, we greet her by name. Saying “hail” to someone seems more formal than saying “greetings.” But the term “Hail Mary” is not an attempt to elevate Mary above Jesus. For example, “hail” is not a typical greeting people use today, so many newer translations use the word “greetings” instead.Īs with any translation, translating different words can have slightly different connotations. Each translator (or group of translators) translates the original text into English based on his or her preferences and the needs of the audience. The Latin word for this is “Ave.” In the original Greek, the word is “Chaire,” which is a common greeting in Greek. It seems that the spoken part by the angel Gabriel starts off with a greeting – “Hail” in some translations “Greetings” in others. There are common themes among the various translations. – KJVĪnd coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” – NASBĪnd he came to her and said, Hail, O favored one ! The Lord is with you! Blessed (favored of God) are you before all other women! – Amplified The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” – NIVĪnd the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. The following are various renderings from various translations of the Bible:Īnd coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” – NAB The phrase “Hail Mary” is actually biblical! Take a look at Luke 1:28. Why would we say “Hail Mary” and pray the Rosary when we could be talking to Jesus? Doesn’t that go against the meaning of the Gospels, where we learn that we must love Jesus above all else? Why should we have such a prayer to Mary? Why Do Catholics Say ‘Hail Mary’?

One thing that many people find difficult to understand about the Catholic Church is the Church’s emphasis on Mary.

Hail mary in latin youtube