What is the meaning of hosanna?

Answer

Hosanna is a term used in certain hymns of praise, especially during Palm Sunday. It originates from Hebrew and was part of the exclamation of the crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” «And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. », (Matthew 21:9).

Hosanna is commonly interpreted as an expression of praise, akin to hallelujah, but it is actually a supplication for deliverance. The Hebrew root words are present in Psalm 118:25, which implores, “Save us, we pray, O LORD!” (ESV). The Hebrew terms yasha (“deliver, save”) and anna (“beg, beseech”) combine to create the term that, in English, is “hosanna.” Essentially, hosanna means “I beg you to save!” or “please deliver us!”

Therefore, when Jesus rode the donkey into Jerusalem, the crowds were entirely justified in shouting “Hosanna!” They were recognizing Jesus as their Messiah, evident in their reference to him as “Son of David.” Their cry was for salvation and an acknowledgment of Jesus’ saving power.

Later that day, Jesus was in the temple, and the children present were once again shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” «And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased, », (Matthew 21:15). The chief priests and the teachers of the Law were displeased: “‘Do you hear what these children are saying?’ they asked him. ‘Yes,’ replied Jesus, ‘have you never read, “From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise”’?” «and s

And they said unto him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants you have perfected praise’?”, (Matthew 21:16). By shouting “Hosanna!” the crowd was calling for salvation, which was precisely the reason Jesus had come. In just a week, Jesus would be crucified.