ὡσαννά

hosanna

Definition

ὡσαννά (ōsanna) is a transliterated Aramaic word, originally a cry for help or salvation, meaning 'Save, please!' or 'Save now!' In the New Testament, it is used as a joyful acclamation of praise and adoration directed toward Jesus, particularly during his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. In Matthew 21:9 and Mark 11:9-10, the crowds shout, 'Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!' This connects the cry to messianic expectation. In John 12:13, it is similarly a shout of welcome and recognition of Jesus as the coming king.

Biblical Usage

The word is used exclusively in the Gospels during the narrative of Jesus's triumphal entry (Palm Sunday). It appears in all four Gospels, though the exact form is only in Matthew, Mark, and John. It is always part of a crowd's shout, combining a plea for salvation with a declaration of praise. The pattern is consistent: the crowds quote Psalm 118:25-26, blending 'Hosanna' with 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,' directly applying this royal psalm to Jesus.

Etymology

Derived from the Aramaic phrase 'hôšîʿâ-nā' (הושע נא), which is itself from the Hebrew 'hôšîʿâ-nā' in Psalm 118:25, meaning 'Save, we pray!' or 'Save now!' The Greek New Testament simply transliterates the Aramaic expression. Its meaning evolved from a direct plea for help into a standardized cry of praise and acclamation, especially in a liturgical or celebratory context.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it marks a pivotal moment of public, albeit misunderstood, messianic recognition of Jesus. By shouting 'Hosanna,' the crowds are invoking Psalm 118, a psalm associated with kingly procession and divine salvation, thereby hailing Jesus as the Davidic Messiah who comes 'in the name of the Lord.' Understanding its dual nature as both a cry for salvation and a shout of praise deepens the irony of the Passion Week, as the one hailed as savior is soon to accomplish salvation through his death and resurrection.

In first-century Jewish culture, particularly during Passover, 'Hosanna' was associated with the Hallel psalms (Psalms 113-118) sung during major festivals. By the time of Jesus, it had likely become a customary shout of jubilation and religious fervor during pilgrim feasts. The crowds' use of palm branches (John 12:13) further signals a nationalistic hope for liberation, showing they understood 'salvation' in a political sense, which Jesus transcended.

σῶσον (sōson, G4982) — The direct Greek imperative verb 'save!'; while ὡσαννά is a transliterated liturgical shout, σῶσον is a straightforward command for deliverance.

Word Details

Scripture References