The word “hosanna” resonates powerfully in Christian worship and biblical narratives, particularly during Palm Sunday celebrations. It’s a term deeply intertwined with praise and acclamation, yet its original meaning and historical usage are rich and nuanced. Understanding “What Does Hosanna Mean” requires us to delve into its linguistic roots, biblical context, and evolution over time. This exploration will reveal the depth of meaning behind this seemingly simple, yet profoundly significant word.
Hosanna’s Origin and Etymological Roots
The journey of the word “hosanna” begins in ancient Hebrew, travels through Aramaic and Greek, and finally arrives in the English language. Its origin is most reliably traced back to the Hebrew phrase found in Psalm 118:25, a verse that holds significant liturgical and historical importance.
The Hebrew phrase is “hoshiah na” (הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא). This phrase literally breaks down to:
- hoshiah (הוֹשִׁיעָה): derived from the verb “yasha” (יָשַׁע), meaning “to save,” “to deliver,” or “to help.” This is the root of words like “Joshua” and “Jesus,” both names carrying the connotation of “salvation.”
- na (נָּא): an interjection meaning “please” or “now.”
Therefore, the most accepted and scholarly translation of “hoshiah na” is “Save us, we pray!” or “Save now!” This Hebrew phrase was then adapted into Aramaic as “hosha na,” retaining essentially the same meaning.
When the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) was translated into Greek (the Septuagint), “hoshiah na” was transliterated as “hōsanna” (ὡσαννά). This Greek form then entered the New Testament and subsequently the English language as “hosanna.”
While less credible, alternative etymologies have been proposed, including derivations from Greek words or the Aramaic word for “power” (ushena). However, these theories lack substantial scholarly support compared to the widely accepted Hebrew origin in Psalm 118:25.
From Plea for Salvation to Exclamation of Praise
Initially, “hosanna,” rooted in “hoshiah na,” functioned primarily as a direct plea for divine help and salvation. Psalm 118, where it originates, is a psalm of thanksgiving and deliverance, likely used in Temple liturgies. Verse 25, containing “hoshiah na,” is a cry to God for salvation within this context of worship and celebration.
Save us, we pray, O Lord! O Lord, we pray, give us success! (Psalm 118:25 ESV)
Over time, particularly by the New Testament era, the word “hosanna” underwent a semantic shift. While retaining its connection to salvation, it evolved into a more general exclamation of praise, adoration, and acclamation, especially in a religious context. This transformation is similar to how “hallelujah” (originally “praise Yahweh”) has become primarily an expression of praise rather than a direct imperative to praise.
This evolution is evident in the New Testament accounts of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
Hosanna in the New Testament: A Messianic Acclamation
The word “hosanna” appears in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John, specifically during the accounts of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9, 15; Mark 11:9, 10; John 12:13). Notably, Luke’s Gospel omits the word “hosanna” in its parallel account, using “praise” instead (Luke 19:37-38), which supports the idea that “hosanna” by this time was closely associated with praise.
In the Triumphal Entry narratives, crowds hailed Jesus with shouts of “Hosanna!” as he entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. Crucially, these shouts are directly linked to messianic expectations and Psalm 118:26:
And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” (Mark 11:9-10 ESV)
Mark’s Gospel explicitly connects “hosanna” to the quotation from Psalm 118:26 (“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”), further solidifying the understanding of “hosanna” in this context as a messianic acclamation. The crowds were not merely asking for salvation in a general sense; they were recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, the one who comes in the name of the Lord to bring salvation.
The Pharisees’ reaction to the crowds shouting “Hosanna” (Matthew 21:15-16) also highlights its messianic implications. They understood the messianic undertones and sought to silence the crowd, indicating that “hosanna” was perceived as a powerful declaration of Jesus’ messianic identity. Jesus, however, rebuked the Pharisees, affirming the appropriateness of the praise.
Hosanna Today: Praise for the Messiah
Today, “hosanna” is primarily understood and used within Christian contexts as an exclamation of praise and worship directed towards Jesus Christ as the Messiah. It is a term laden with historical and theological significance, recalling both its original meaning as a plea for salvation and its evolved usage as a messianic acclamation.
When Christians sing “Hosanna” in worship, particularly during liturgical seasons like Lent and Palm Sunday, they are:
- Acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah: Recognizing his identity as the promised savior.
- Offering Praise and Adoration: Expressing their reverence and worship.
- Remembering the Triumphal Entry: Connecting with the biblical narrative of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the crowds’ enthusiastic reception.
- Echoing Psalm 118: Drawing upon the rich tradition of the Hallel Psalms and their messianic undertones.
In conclusion, “hosanna” is a word that has journeyed from an ancient Hebrew plea for salvation to a powerful and enduring exclamation of praise for the Messiah. Understanding its etymology and biblical usage enriches our appreciation for its significance in Christian worship and deepens our understanding of the messianic identity of Jesus Christ. When we proclaim “Hosanna,” we join a chorus of believers throughout history, acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Savior, and offering him our heartfelt praise.
