The Meaning of Hosanna: A Cry for Salvation

The Meaning of Hosanna

The Hebrew term 'Hosanna' (הושענא) originally functioned as a cry for salvation, rooted in Psalm 118:25-26.

In Psalm 118:25-26, it appears as a petition ('Save us, we pray') that later merged with expressions of praise, evolving into a Greek term in the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 21:9) to celebrate Jesus as a messianic deliverer.

Hosanna in the Gospels

In Matthew 21:9, the crowd’s cry of 'Hosanna' marks a pivotal moment in Jesus’ public ministry.

As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the people shout, 'Hosanna to the Son of David!' (Matthew 21:9), blending praise with messianic hope. This usage transforms the earlier petition for salvation in Psalm 118:25-26 into an acclamation of Jesus as the promised deliverer. The term thus bridges a plea for divine rescue with a declaration of royal triumph.

This shift reflects evolving messianic expectations, where 'Hosanna' becomes both a prayer and a celebration. Theologically, it underscores Jesus’ dual role as savior and king, foreshadowing his redemptive work while inviting reflection on how salvation is both sought and realized.

Hosanna in the Psalms and Prophets

In the Psalms, 'Hosanna' originates as a fervent plea for divine salvation, prominently featured in Psalm 118:25-26, where it intertwines with communal praise for God’s faithfulness.

Psalm 118:25-26 reads, 'Save us, we pray, O Lord! O Lord, we pray, give us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' Here, the cry for salvation ('Hosanna') is embedded in a hymn celebrating God’s deliverance, reflecting ancient Israel’s hope for divine intervention. Over time, this petition evolved into an expression of royal triumph in Jewish liturgy. Early Christians, recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of messianic promises, reinterpreted 'Hosanna' in Matthew 21:9 as a declaration of his authority. By linking Psalm 118 to Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, they reframed the term from a plea to a proclamation, affirming him as the promised king. This shift highlights how scriptural language was dynamically reshaped to articulate Christian faith in Jesus as both savior and sovereign.

Putting 'Hosanna' into Practice

Modern believers can apply 'Hosanna' by embracing its dual call for salvation and praise in both worship and daily life.

In Psalm 118:25-26, 'Hosanna' is a heartfelt plea for God’s intervention, reminding us to cry out for His help in times of need. When Matthew 21:9 records the crowd shouting 'Hosanna to the Son of David!', it becomes a joyful acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah who fulfills salvation. By shouting 'Hosanna' in worship, believers today both petition God for deliverance and celebrate His redemptive work.

This practice reflects God’s character as both a compassionate Savior and a sovereign King. It encourages believers to approach Him with urgency in their struggles while resting in His faithfulness to rescue, as seen in the psalmist’s hope (Psalm 118:25-26) and the crowd’s triumphal welcome (Matthew 21:9).

Going Deeper

For further study, consider exploring related terms like 'Hallelujah,' which similarly combines praise and petition in Jewish and Christian worship.

Scholarly resources such as N.T. Wright’s commentary on Matthew or the ESV Study Bible’s notes on Psalm 118:25-26 and Matthew 21:9 provide deeper insights. Advanced readers may also benefit from examining the Septuagint’s use of 'Hosanna' in early Christian contexts.