Luke 1:28 Commentary - Whedon's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

28. Angel came… said, Hail In a green, open space at the northwestern extremity of Nazareth there is a small fountain, whence issues a slender stream from which the maidens of Nazareth, holding beneath their pitchers, obtain water for their homes. It is called the Fountain of the Virgin; for there the tradition is that this annunciation by Gabriel took place. In commemoration of this event, there stands the Church of the Annunciation. Whether the tradition be true or false, there can be no reasonable doubt that Mary in her day, among the maidens of that village, held the pitcher and drew water from this spring.

Highly favoured This, in the Roman or Vulgate translation of the New Testament, is rendered plena gratiâ, full of grace. See note on Mat 1:18. The Romanists in vain endeavour to prove the sinlessness of Mary from this phrase. It means, as is said in Luk 1:30, that she had found favour or grace with God. Blessed art thou among women See note on Mat 1:18.