What does hosanna mean?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

"Hosanna," originating from Hebrew roots meaning to deliver and to beseech, is a cry for salvation found in Psalm 118:25. In the New Testament, during Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, crowds cried out to Him as a savior, though interpretations varied among them. Despite opposition from religious leaders, Jesus affirmed this praise and later fulfilled His role through crucifixion and resurrection, offering salvation to all who believe (John 3:16–18; Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8–9). Today, calling on God for salvation remains a profound act. When anyone calls out to God in faith, that person can be assured that God hears and responds with grace. Cries of desperation become declarations of faith in His enduring love and power to save.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• "Hosanna" is a way to shout out for help. There are two Hebrew words that combine to form the word hosanna. The first, yasha, means to deliver or save. The second, anna, is begging or beseeching. Together, they form the word hosanna, or begging to be saved. We see these Hebrew root words in Psalm 118:25: "Save us, we pray, O LORD!"

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• When Jesus entered Jerusalem a week before His crucifixion, the crowds shouted "Hosanna." They recognized Him as a savior (Matthew 21:9–17), but their understanding of whether Jesus was a military savior, a cultural savior, or a spiritual savior is unknown.
• Even the children shouted "hosanna" at Jesus (Matthew 21:15). When the chief priests and scribes saw this, in conjunction with the wonderful things Jesus had done, "they were indignant" (Matthew 21:15). Jesus quoted Psalm 8:2 to them, claiming to be God and telling the religious leaders that the children's praise was appropriate (Matthew 21:16).
• Jesus did, indeed, save. A week later the crowds were calling for His crucifixion. Through His death and subsequent resurrection we are offered salvation (John 3:16–18; Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8–9).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

When we cry out to God for salvation, He hears us. When we are overwhelmed by the weight of our sin and life's challenges, echoing the plea of "Hosanna" from Psalm 118:25 becomes our lifeline, a desperate yet trusting call for God's rescue. All who call on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13). When we call out to Jesus, acknowledging my need for His saving power, He answers with perfect and timely grace. His ultimate act of salvation through His death and resurrection assures me that my pleas are heard, and I receive the gift of eternal life, transforming my cries into declarations of reliance on His relentless love and saving power.

UNDERSTAND

• "Hosanna" combines Hebrew words meaning to deliver and to beseech, forming a cry for salvation.
• During Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, crowds hailed Him with "Hosanna," recognizing Him as a savior, though their understanding of His salvation varied.
• Despite opposition, Jesus affirmed His role as Savior, fulfilled through His crucifixion and resurrection, offering salvation to believers.

REFLECT

• How does understanding the meaning of "Hosanna" impact your trust in God's ability to save?
• When have you personally felt the need to cry out "Hosanna" to the Lord?
• What does calling on God with "Hosanna" signify about your faith in His saving power?

ENGAGE

• How does the biblical background of "Hosanna" deepen our understanding of Jesus as Savior?
• Discuss the different perspectives of "Hosanna" that might have existed among the crowds during Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. How might these perspectives relate to our own views of Jesus today?
• What are the practical implications of "Hosanna" for our daily lives and our witness as Christians?