What Does Hosanna Mean — Meaning Explained
Hosanna is a Hebrew cry of praise meaning 'Save now!' — shouted by the crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
Hosanna is a Hebrew cry of praise meaning 'Save now!' — shouted by the crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
"And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest." — Matthew 21:9 (KJV)
What "What Does Hosanna Mean?" Actually Means
Hosanna comes from the Hebrew hoshi'ah na', meaning 'Save, we pray' or 'Save now!' It appears in Psalm 118:25 as a plea for God's deliverance: 'Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.' By the time of Jesus, it had become a shout of praise and acclamation, much like 'Hallelujah.' When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the crowds spread their cloaks and palm branches and cried, 'Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.' Within days, the same crowds would demand His crucifixion. The word captures the paradox of Palm Sunday: genuine praise mixed with shallow enthusiasm. True hosanna is not merely a shout but a heart-cry for salvation — and Jesus answered it at the cross.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Matthew 21:9
"And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest."
Psalm 118:25
"Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity."
John 12:13
"Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord."
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Hosanna (הוֹשַׁעְנָא (Hosha'na))
A cry of praise meaning 'Save us!' or 'Save, we pray!'
Strong's G5614 — Hosanna
הוֹשַׁעְנָא (Hosha'na) • A cry of praise meaning 'Save us!' or 'Save, we pray!'
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