Hosanna
Hosanna is a biblical cry that originally meant “save, please” and later became a shout of praise and welcome to God’s Messiah. In the Gospels it is especially linked to Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
At a Glance
Hosanna is a biblical cry that originally meant “save, please” and later became a shout of praise and welcome to God’s Messiah. In the Gospels it is especially linked to Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Description
Hosanna is a biblical expression rooted in the Hebrew plea for salvation, often understood as “save, please” or “save now.” Its Old Testament background is found especially in Psalm 118, where it is part of a prayer for the Lord’s saving help. By the time of the New Testament, the word was also used as an exclamation of praise and messianic welcome, which is why the crowds cried “Hosanna” when Jesus entered Jerusalem. In that setting, the term expresses both appeal and celebration: the people were acknowledging Jesus in royal and messianic terms, even though their expectations of His mission may not have been fully formed. The safest conclusion is that “Hosanna” in Scripture is a prayerful and joyful acknowledgment that salvation comes from the Lord and is bound up with the coming of His promised King.