Hosanna

The word ὡσαννά (hosanna) is a Greek transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning, “Please save.” In the Old Testament, it is used as a short prayer to God Jehovah for salvation, but in the New Testament it is used as a praise to the Savior.

Entry of Christ into Jerusalem by Frans Francken II: People are shouting, “Hosanna,” to Jesus Christ.

Etymology of Hosanna

The Greek word ὡσαννά (hosanna)[1] comes from the Hebrew word הושיעה־נא (hôšîʿâ-nā)[2][3] recorded in the book of Psalms. In Aramaic, it is הושענ (ʾōshaʿnā). In the days of Jesus, the Jews used Aramaic in their daily lives unlike when they read the Bible.[4] So it is presumed that ὡσαννά (hosanna) in the New Testament written in Greek is a transliteration of the Aramaic word הושענא (ʾōshaʿnā).

Biblical Record

Old Testament

The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. O LORD, save us [הושיעה־נא (hôšîʿâ-nā)]; O LORD, grant us success.

Psalm 118:22–25


In the Old Testament, hosanna is mentioned once in Hebrew.[5] This is a prophecy that the people of God would rejoice and shout, “Hosanna,” when Christ, the stone the builders rejected, would become the capstone.

New Testament

The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

Matthew 21:9–10


In the New Testament, the crowd shouted the word “hosanna” when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a colt.[6] The Gospel of Mark and the Gospel of John record the same thing.[7][8]

Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Psalm 118 as it is written. The prophecy that the stone the builders rejected would become the capstone was fulfilled 2,000 years ago when the Jewish religious leaders rejected Jesus Christ,[9] whom they absolutely needed for salvation. The prophecy of people rejoicing and shouting “Hosanna” was also fulfilled when Jesus entered Jerusalem. Jesus is God who came as a man, and “Hosanna” is the joyful shout of those who have met their Savior, that is, God who has come in the flesh.

See also

External links

References

  1. "5614. hósanna". Bible Hub.
  2. "Strong's #3467 - יָשַׁע". StudyLight.org.
  3. "Strong's #4994 - נָא". StudyLight.org.
  4. ARAMAIC LANGUAGE AMONG THE JEWS, Jewish Encyclopedia
  5. "Psalm 118:25". Bible Hub.
  6. "Matthew 21:9". Bible Hub.
  7. "Mark 11:7–11".
  8. "John 12:12–13".
  9. "1 Peter 2:4–8".