Hosanna
הוֹשַׁעְנָא (Hosha'na)
A cry of praise meaning 'Save us!' or 'Save, we pray!'
Hosanna was originally a plea for salvation that became an exclamation of praise. The crowds shouted it when Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, recognizing Him as the promised Messiah.
"Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD." — Psalm 118:25-26 (KJV)
Key Verses
Psalm 118:25-26
“Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD.”Read in context
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.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G5614 — Hosanna (הוֹשַׁעְנָא (Hosha'na))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where הוֹשַׁעְנָא (Hosha'na) appears.
Open Strong's G5614From Plea to Praise
Hosanna comes from the Hebrew 'hoshia na,' meaning 'save now' or 'save, we pray.' In its original context in Psalm 118:25, it was a desperate plea for God's deliverance. Over centuries of use in Jewish worship — particularly during the Feast of Tabernacles — the word evolved from a cry for help into a shout of praise and adoration, much like 'Hallelujah.'
The Triumphal Entry
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the crowds lining the streets waved palm branches and shouted, 'Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!' They were quoting Psalm 118 and applying it directly to Jesus, acknowledging Him as the long-awaited Messianic King. The phrase 'Son of David' was a recognized Messianic title.
The Depth of Hosanna
The beauty of Hosanna is that both meanings — plea and praise — are true simultaneously. The crowds were crying out for salvation even as they celebrated the Savior's arrival. Jesus came to answer the deepest Hosanna ever uttered — humanity's need for rescue from sin and death. Every time we say 'Hosanna,' we acknowledge both our desperate need and God's glorious provision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Hosanna in the highest' mean?
'Hosanna in the highest' means 'let salvation ring out in the highest heavens' or 'let the highest heaven hear our praise.' It elevates the cry from earth to heaven, invoking heavenly praise alongside earthly celebration.
Why did the crowds shout Hosanna at Jesus?
The crowds recognized Jesus as the fulfillment of Psalm 118's prophecy about the coming king. By shouting 'Hosanna to the Son of David,' they proclaimed Him as the Messiah from David's royal line who would bring salvation to Israel.
Is Hosanna used in worship today?
Yes, Hosanna remains a beloved word in Christian worship, appearing in hymns, praise songs, and liturgical celebrations — especially during Palm Sunday services that commemorate Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
What is the Hebrew word for "Hosanna" in the Bible?
הוֹשַׁעְנָא (Hosha'na), pronounced "hoh-ZAN-ah." It means a cry of praise meaning 'save us!' or 'save, we pray!'. Its Strong's number is G5614. It is the word behind "Hosanna" in both Testaments, for example in Psalm 118:25-26.
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Hosanna (הוֹשַׁעְנָא (Hosha'na))
A cry of praise meaning 'Save us!' or 'Save, we pray!'
Strong's G5614 — Hosanna
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