Definition: Hosanna in the Bible means “save us now” or “please save,” originally a cry for deliverance that later became a joyful expression of praise and worship toward God.
Hosanna is one of those powerful biblical words that sounds joyful, sacred, and emotional but its meaning is often misunderstood. Is it a shout of praise? A cry for help? Or both?
If you’ve heard Hosanna sung in church, read it during Palm Sunday passages, or seen it quoted in Scripture, you’re not alone in wondering what it really means in the Bible. This article breaks it all down clearly, simply, and thoroughly no theology degree required.
In short:
👉 Hosanna started as a plea for help and evolved into a shout of praise.
Why the Word Hosanna Still Matters Today
Hosanna isn’t just an ancient religious term it’s a word full of emotion, hope, and meaning. It appears at pivotal moments in the Bible, especially during Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where crowds shouted Hosanna as both a prayer and a proclamation.
Understanding Hosanna helps you:
- Read Scripture with deeper insight
- Appreciate worship songs and hymns
- Understand the emotional tension of biblical moments
- See how prayer and praise often overlap in the Bible
The Origin of Hosanna:
Hebrew Roots of Hosanna
The word Hosanna comes from the Hebrew phrase:
Hōshīʿāh-nā (הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא)
Which literally means:
👉 “Save, please!” or “Save us now!”
This phrase appears in Psalm 118:25, a psalm used in Jewish worship and festivals.
From Hebrew to Greek to English
Here’s how Hosanna traveled through history:
- Hebrew: Hōshīʿāh-nā (Save us, please)
- Greek (New Testament): Hōsanna
- English: Hosanna
Instead of translating the phrase, the New Testament transliterated it keeping the sound but allowing the meaning to evolve.
Hosanna in the Old Testament
Hosanna as a Cry for Help
In the Old Testament, Hosanna is not primarily praise it’s a desperate prayer.
Psalm 118:25
Save us, we pray, O Lord!
O Lord, we pray, give us success!
Here, Hosanna is:
- A plea for deliverance
- A request for God’s intervention
- Spoken during times of national or personal need
When Was Psalm 118 Used?
Psalm 118 was sung during:
- Passover
- Feast of Tabernacles
- Processions to the temple
This matters because it sets the stage for how Hosanna is used in the New Testament.
Hosanna in the New Testament: A Shift in Meaning
Hosanna During Jesus’ Triumphal Entry
The most famous use of Hosanna appears when Jesus enters Jerusalem.
Matthew 21:9
Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest!
The crowd believed:
- Jesus was the promised Messiah
- He would rescue Israel
- God’s salvation had arrived
What Did the Crowd Mean by Hosanna?
They were expressing two things at once:
- A hope for salvation (Save us!)
- Joyful praise (We believe you will!)
This moment turned Hosanna into both:
- A messianic declaration
- A celebration of faith
Hosanna as Praise vs. Hosanna as Prayer
Hosanna is unique because it blends prayer and praise into one word.
Two Core Meanings of Hosanna
- Cry for deliverance
- Expression of worship and trust
This dual meaning is why Hosanna feels so emotional it holds both desperation and hope.
Table: Hosanna in Different Biblical Contexts
| Context | Meaning | Emotional Tone | Example |
| Psalm 118 | Save us now | Urgent, pleading | Prayer for help |
| Palm Sunday | Praise and hope | Joyful, expectant | Welcoming Jesus |
| Modern worship | Praise | Celebratory | Worship songs |
| Personal prayer | Trust in God | Hopeful | Asking God to intervene |
How Hosanna Is Used in Worship Today
In Christian Worship
Today, Hosanna is most commonly used as:
- A word of praise
- A declaration of faith
- A celebration of Jesus
Popular worship songs use Hosanna to express:
- Gratitude
- Awe
- Trust in God’s saving power
Does It Still Mean “Save Us”?
Yes but in a broader sense. Modern usage often assumes:
- God has saved
- God is saving
- God will save
Examples of Hosanna in Context
Friendly / Worship Context 🙌
- Hosanna! Thank You, Lord, for Your grace and mercy
- We lift our voices and sing Hosanna to the King
Neutral / Educational Context 📘
- The word Hosanna originally meant save us now in Hebrew
- Hosanna appears in both the Old and New Testaments
Emotional / Desperate Prayer Context 💔
- Hosanna, Lord please help us in this moment
- Hosanna in the highest we need Your intervention
Hosanna Compared to Similar Biblical Terms
Hosanna vs. Hallelujah
| Term | Meaning | Primary Use |
| Hosanna | Save us / Praise | Prayer + worship |
| Hallelujah | Praise the Lord | Worship only |
Key difference:
Hosanna includes a request, while Hallelujah is pure praise.
Hosanna vs. Amen
- Hosanna: A cry for salvation or praise
- Amen: Agreement, confirmation, or truth
Amen says, So be it.
Hosanna says, Save us and we trust You.
Are There Alternate Meanings of Hosanna?
Hosanna does not have slang or secular meanings. Its usage is almost entirely:
- Biblical
- Religious
- Liturgical
However, its emphasis changes based on context:
- In Scripture: prayer + praise
- In worship songs: praise
- In theology: messianic declaration
Polite or Professional Alternatives to Hosanna
If you’re writing or speaking in a non-religious or professional context, you might use:
- Praise be to God
- Glory to God
- We give thanks
- Blessed be the Lord
These convey reverence without using Hosanna directly.
Why Hosanna Is So Powerful Spiritually
Hosanna captures a deep human truth:
- We need saving
- We believe God saves
It allows believers to:
- Ask for help honestly
- Worship confidently
- Express hope publicly
That’s why Hosanna appears at one of the most emotional moments in Jesus’ life.
FAQs
1. What does Hosanna literally mean in Hebrew?
It literally means Save us, please or Save now.
2. Is Hosanna a prayer or a praise?
It’s both a prayer that became praise.
3. Why did people shout Hosanna to Jesus?
They believed He was the Messiah who would save them.
4. Is Hosanna only used on Palm Sunday?
No, but it’s most famously associated with Palm Sunday.
5. Does Hosanna mean the same as Hallelujah?
No. Hosanna includes a plea for help; Hallelujah is pure praise.
6. Is Hosanna still relevant today?
Yes it’s widely used in worship, hymns, and prayer.
7. Can Hosanna be used in personal prayer?
Absolutely. It expresses trust and dependence on God.
8. Is Hosanna used in Judaism today?
It appears mainly in liturgical texts connected to Psalms.
Conclusion:
Hosanna is more than a joyful shout it’s a deeply meaningful biblical word that combines human need and divine hope. What began as a desperate plea in the Psalms became a triumphant declaration during Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and remains a powerful expression of faith today.
When you hear or say Hosanna, you’re echoing centuries of faith, hope, and belief in God’s saving power.
Matthew Nelson is a professional content writer and blogger with a strong focus on creating high-quality and reader-centric content. He specializes in writing informative articles that help websites grow their online visibility while delivering real value to readers.
