Ἁλληλούϊα

Hallelujah, Praise the Lord

Definition

Ἁλληλούϊα (Hallelujah) is a liturgical exclamation of praise, meaning 'Praise the Lord' or 'Praise Yahweh.' It is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew phrase 'הַלְלוּ־יָהּ' (halelu-yah), combining the plural imperative 'praise!' with the shortened form of God's name. In the New Testament, it appears exclusively in Revelation 19:1-6, where it is shouted by a great multitude in heaven, celebrating God's judgment on Babylon and the forthcoming marriage supper of the Lamb. The term carries both a celebratory and a judicial tone, as it acclaims God's righteous acts and ultimate victory.

Biblical Usage

This word is used four times in the New Testament, all within Revelation 19:1, 3, 4, and 6. It appears in a context of heavenly worship, following the fall of Babylon (Revelation 18). The pattern shows it as a corporate shout of acclamation: first by a great multitude (Revelation 19:1), then echoed from the throne (Revelation 19:4), and culminating in a roar like mighty waters at the proclamation 'The Lord our God the Almighty reigns' (Revelation 19:6). Its usage is exclusively doxological and eschatological.

Etymology

Derived directly from the Hebrew 'הַלְלוּ־יָהּ' (halelu-yah), meaning 'Praise Yah,' where 'Yah' is a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh (יהוה). It entered Greek as a transliteration without translation, preserving the original Hebrew liturgical formula. The term was common in Jewish worship, especially in the Psalms (e.g., Psalms 106:1, 150:6), and was adopted into early Christian liturgy.

Semantic Range

Ἁλληλούϊα is theologically significant as it encapsulates the climax of God's redemptive narrative. Its use in Revelation ties praise directly to God's justice and kingship, showing that true worship celebrates both His salvation and His judgment. Understanding it as a Hebrew import enriches reading by connecting New Testament worship to Old Testament patterns, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant people and the fulfillment of His promises in Christ's ultimate victory.

In its original Jewish setting, 'Hallelujah' was a common call to worship in the Psalms, used in temple liturgy and festivals. By the first century, it was a familiar exclamation in synagogues. The New Testament's use in Revelation would have resonated with Jewish Christians, affirming Jesus as the fulfillment of Yahweh's promises. Its adoption into Greek without translation shows the early church's rootedness in Hebrew worship traditions.

εὐλογέω (eulogeō, G2127) — to bless or speak well of, often directed toward God or people. ἀινέω (aineō, G134) — to praise, used for expressing approval or gratitude, including to God (Luke 2:13). δοξάζω (doxazō, G1392) — to glorify or honor, emphasizing ascribing weight or splendor to God.

Word Details

Scripture References