The word “hosanna” appears only a few times in the Bible, but it carries great significance. Here is an in-depth look at the meaning and context behind this important biblical term.
The Definition and Origin of Hosanna
“Hosanna” is a Hebrew word that literally means “save now” or “save, we pray.” It comes from Psalm 118:25, which says “Save now, I pray, O Lord; O Lord, I pray, give us success!” (ESV). The word originates from the combination of two Hebrew words – “yasha” meaning “deliver” or “save” and “na” meaning “please” or “I pray.”
So when the word “hosanna” is used, it is essentially a plea for salvation or deliverance. It expresses a desire for God’s help and restoration. The word eventually took on the connotation of joyful praise for salvation granted or anticipated.
Instances of Hosanna in the Bible
The Bible contains a few key examples of the use of “hosanna.” Here are some of the main occurrences:
- Jesus’ triumphal entry – When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey just before his death, the crowds welcomed him by shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9 ESV). This was a declaration of praise and a recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.
- Feast of Booths celebration – During the annual Feast of Booths celebration, the priests and people would wave branches and sing Psalm 118:25, saying “Hosanna” (see John 7:37-38 ESV). This Psalm was part of the Hallel (meaning “praise”) that was sung during Jewish festivals.
- Praises in heaven – In Revelation 7:10 (ESV), heavenly creatures cry out “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” and v. 12 says they were crying out in a loud voice: “Hosanna! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” This shows the eternal praise of God in heaven.
So in these instances, “hosanna” was used in connection with celebrating salvation, welcoming the Messiah, and offering praise to God for who He is.
The Significance and Meaning of Hosanna
When the crowds shouted “hosanna” as Jesus entered Jerusalem, they were acknowledging and declaring his identity as their long-awaited Messiah and King. The use of this specific word indicates they were looking to Jesus as the one who could save them and deliver them in keeping with Old Testament promises.
In essence, hosanna is:
- A request – It is asking Jesus for salvation and deliverance from bondage.
- An acclamation – It is meant to publicly announce Jesus as the Messiah.
- An expectation – It expresses the anticipation of what Jesus will do as savior.
- An invocation – It calls on Jesus as Lord to act as savior.
So the cry of “hosanna” diagnorined the divinity of Jesus. It showed he was the long-awaited Messiah who came to rescue God’s people and defeat the enemy. Even though Jesus was entering Jerusalem to die, the crowds did not yet understand this. They wanted Jesus to overthrow Rome and set up an earthly kingdom. So their “hosannas” expressed political and militaristic hopes for what Jesus would do for them.
Today, when believers use the word “hosanna,” it is typically meant as an expression of worship, praise, and adoration to God and Jesus. It declares praise for the salvation and victory Christ has already accomplished through his crucifixion and resurrection.
Where Hosanna Came From
The specific crowd responses when Jesus entered Jerusalem came largely from Psalm 118. This was one of the Hallel (praise) psalms that were sung during Passover and other Jewish festivals.
Psalm 118:25-26 says:
Save us, we pray, O Lord! O Lord, we pray, give us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We bless you from the house of the Lord.
The crowds supplemented this verse with portions of two other psalms:
- Psalm 148:1 – “Hosanna in the highest!”
- Psalm 89:38 – “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
By combining these messianic psalms, they created the cries heard in Matthew 21:9. The Fetch of Booths (“Hosanna!”) and the Passover (“Blessed is he who comes!”) were two of the main pilgrim feasts when these hosannas would have been sung.
Old Testament Background
While “hosanna” as a specific word of praise emerged in the intertestamental period, its roots and foundations go back to the Old Testament. Here are some key connections:
- God as redeemer – Throughout the Old Testament, God is revealed as the Redeemer and Savior of Israel. The people depended on His mighty works for deliverance (see Isaiah 41:14-16).
- Call for salvation – The Psalms contain many petitions for God to deliver and save His people (Psalm 118:25 being a prime example).
- Messianic expectations – Prophecies like Zechariah 9:9 fueled Jewish anticipation of a coming king who would bring salvation from oppression.
So the intertestamental use of “hosanna” reflects a culmination of building biblical expectations for the work of the Messiah. That background made the term a fitting exclamation when Jesus arrived as the fulfillment of those prophecies.
New Testament Fulfillment
Throughout Christ’s life, he fulfilled the biblical role reflected in the word “hosanna.” Here are some key ways the New Testament shows Jesus living out the meaning of that term:
- Fulfilled Messianic prophecies – Details like Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey deliberately fulfilled Zechariah 9:9 and other prophecies about the Messiah.
- Taught about salvation – Jesus taught people about how they could be saved from sin by trusting in Him (John 3:16-18).
- Died to accomplish salvation – Jesus’ death on the cross made spiritual salvation possible for all who put their faith in Him (Romans 5:6-11).
- Rose again in victory – The resurrection conquered sin and death, proving Jesus’ power to save completely (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
Jesus did what no other man could do by living a perfect life, dying in our place for sin, and rising from the dead in victory. He showed He truly is the “Hosanna” – the Savior – sent from God to redeem mankind.
Modern Use of Hosanna
While Jesus fulfilled the cry of “hosanna” in an ultimate sense, Christians today appropriately use this word in the following ways:
- Praise – Believers sing “hosannas” in recognition of God’s goodness and Jesus’ sacrifice to save us from sin.
- Prayer – Hosanna is invoked in a form of prayer, asking God to save or help amid difficulty.
- Declaration of faith – Using “hosanna” declares belief that Jesus is the Messiah who alone offers eternal salvation.
So for Christians, raising shouts of “hosanna” is a way to worship God, make requests of Him, and proclaim faith in who Jesus Christ is and what he has done.
Hosanna in Heaven
While shouts of “hosanna” greeted Jesus as the crowds welcomed him to Jerusalem, the Bible records that even greater hosannas will continuously ring out in eternity. Revelation 19:1 declares:
After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.” (ESV)
The worship described here combines “hallelujah (praise the LORD)” with declaring salvation as belonging to God. So in heaven, hosannas rise eternally as all creation recognizes God’s power to save and worships Him for who He is.
Joining in those heavenly hosannas begins now as we believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior. One day, believers will join their voices with those in heaven, forever praising the God who saves. Just as the Passover pilgrims traveled to Jerusalem singing hosanna, we as believers travel to heaven itself, raising hosannas to the Lamb upon the throne. The cries of “Hosanna!” will continually rise as we worship our mighty God and rescuing King Jesus.