“Hosanna” is a Hebrew word that appears in both the Old and New Testaments, carrying a profound meaning of praise, adoration, and a plea for salvation. Its original meaning was “Save us, we pray”, but it evolved into a shout of joyful praise and acclamation as seen in the New Testament.
Etymology and Original Meaning
The word “Hosanna” comes from the Hebrew phrase “Hoshia-na” (הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא), which means “Save us, please!” or “Save now!” It is used as a cry for help, particularly addressed to God.
- Psalm 118:25 (NIV):
“Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success!”- The Hebrew word “hoshiana” in this verse expresses a plea for deliverance.
Hosanna in the New Testament
In the New Testament, “Hosanna” is used as a shout of praise and recognition of Jesus as the Messiah during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
1. The Triumphal Entry
- Matthew 21:9 (NIV):
“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 heaven!’”- The crowd used “Hosanna” to acknowledge Jesus as the promised Messiah, connecting their cry to the Messianic prophecies in Psalm 118.
- Mark 11:9-10 (NIV):
“Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’” - John 12:13 (NIV):
“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!’”
2. Shift in Meaning
By the time of Jesus, “Hosanna” had become a liturgical expression of praise, often used during Jewish feasts like the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). In the triumphal entry, the crowd’s use of “Hosanna” reflects both a plea for salvation and a celebration of the Savior’s arrival.
Theological Significance of “Hosanna”
- A Plea for Salvation
- Originally, “Hosanna” expressed a desperate plea for deliverance, recognizing God as the ultimate source of salvation.
- Isaiah 25:9 (NIV):
*”In that day they will say, ‘Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.'”
- Recognition of the Messiah
- The use of “Hosanna” in the triumphal entry signifies the recognition of Jesus as the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy. The crowd acknowledges Jesus as the one who will bring spiritual and political deliverance.
- Praise and Worship
- In its New Testament context, “Hosanna” becomes a joyful exclamation of praise, honoring God for His salvation plan through Christ.
- Revelation 7:10 (NIV):
“And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.'”
Hosanna and the Kingdom of God
The cry of “Hosanna” highlights the anticipation of the Kingdom of God being established on earth through Jesus Christ. While many in the crowd likely expected a political savior, Jesus came to provide spiritual salvation through His death and resurrection.
- Luke 19:38-40 (NIV):
*”‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’ ‘I tell you,’ he replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.'”
Conclusion
“Hosanna” is a word rich in meaning, encapsulating a plea for salvation and a shout of praise. It reminds us of the crowd’s recognition of Jesus as the Messiah during His triumphal entry and invites believers to rejoice in the salvation that God has provided through Christ. The word bridges the plea for deliverance found in the Old Testament and the triumphant praise of God’s redemption in the New Testament.
- Psalm 118:26 (NIV):
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you.”