You have probably often found yourself singing the song of praise Hosanna. Hosanna. Hosanna In the highest, especially on Palm Sunday. There's also a chance that you've heard this worship song somewhere before, but not really sure what it means. Whether you've listened or sung along, read or spoken it, this is a very compelling statement.

The term "hosanna" may be unfamiliar to some but it’s okay. We’re glad to have you here, where we will discuss the best articles to explain the word. Our intentional use of the word will become more apparent as we dig deeper into the meaning and where it may be found. Keeping this intention in mind will help our time of worship and prayer to be more connected with God. 

Plea For Salvation

A summary is provided in Got Questions to help us understand what the term means and its history. As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowd shouted this Hebrew phrase: (Matthew 21:9).

Unlike hallelujah, Hosanna is a request for salvation rather than a declaration of praise. Psalm 118:25 contains the Hebrew root words, which reads, "Save us, O LORD! The Hebrew words yasha ("deliver, save") and anna ("beg, beseech") are combined, creating the English term "hosanna." which literally means “I beg you to save!” or “please deliver us!”

It made perfect sense for the crowd to shout “Hosanna” as Jesus rode the donkey into Jerusalem. In their address "Son of David," they referred to Jesus as their Messiah. They cried out for salvation and acknowledged Jesus' ability to save. The children were shouting, "Hosanna to the son of David!" later that day, while Jesus was in the temple. (Matthew 21:15). The chief priests and the teachers of the Law were displeased. In response, Jesus said that the people were crying out for salvation, and that's why  He had come. It would not be long before Jesus was hung on a cross.

A Shift in Meaning & Usage of "Hosanna"

Few Christians today know the origin of the word hosanna, how the Jews used it in the Old Testament, or why its meaning shifted in the New Testament. Many Christians assume hosanna was always a Jewish word of praise to God, but in the Old Testament—in Psalm 118:25—the root was more like an urgent cry for help that would, in context, lead to the nation prospering and not being destroyed. Baker's Evangelical Dictionary tells us, "Originally an appeal for deliverance, it came in liturgical usage to serve as an expression of joy and praise for deliverance granted or anticipated. When Jesus came to Jerusalem for his final presentation of himself to Israel, the expression came readily to the lips of the Passover crowds."

In one sense, it was a desperate cry—much like a drowning person would yell out for rescue. But it was even more than that; it was an oppressed people’s petition for freedom. Let's discover how the term hosanna evolved from a cry for help to a shout of praise!

Understand the history, shift in meaning & usage of "Hosanna" here: 

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/what-does-the-word-hosanna-mean.html

Return and Salvation

Judaism and Christianity both use the word Hosanna as a liturgical term. The word means: 'Save us (or a person's name) please.

Jerusalem Prayer Team elaborated that ‘Hosanna,’ which is a supplication for God’s salvation, was the shout of praise or adoration made in recognition of the Messiahship of Jesus, Yeshua, on his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, John 12:13.

In the Old Testament, it appears as ‘ho•shi•ah na,’ which means exactly the same Psalm 118:25. 

It is applied in many verses of the New Testament, including: 

The Hebrew translation is 'Save, please!

https://hebrew.jerusalemprayerteam.org/hosanna-please-save-us/

The first word of Psalm 118:25 is howosiah-na, translated “Save us!” and the crowd’s use of this word at the triumphal entry was significant—especially as they waved palm branches (Psalm 118 was associated with the Feast of Tabernacles). By saying “hosanna” as Jesus passed through the gates of Jerusalem and referring to David and David’s kingdom, the Jews were acknowledging Jesus as their Messiah. The Jews had been waiting a long time for the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17:11–14; 2 Chronicles 6:16), and their shouts of “hosanna in the highest” indicated the hope that their Messiah had finally come to set up God’s kingdom then and there (see Luke 19:11).

By saying “in the highest,” the crowd was invoking heaven’s blessing on them and the salvation that the Messiah was bringing. The phrase also echoes the song of the angels in Luke 2:14: “Glory to God in the highest” (ESV). To paraphrase the shouts of the crowd: “Save us, our Messiah, who comes to fulfill God’s mission! Save us, we beseech you, as you take your rightful throne and extend heaven’s salvation to us!”

https://www.zeteo316.com/what-is-the-meaning-of-hosanna-in-the-highest/

A Powerful Word

What Does Hosanna Mean and Why Is it So Powerful? In his article, Kyle Blevins, a husband and father who lives in Tennessee, shares his experiences and views on faith. Known for encouraging and empowering employees, he is a leader at a Fortune 500 company. Writing gives him the opportunity to reconnect people to Jesus and restore hope for their lives.

He explained several points to elaborate a deeper meaning of Hosanna: 

• Hosanna Means "Save, Please!"

• Hosanna Means "Salvation! Thank You!"

• "Hosanna" Was Used on Palm Sunday

• "Hosanna" is Found in the New Testament

• The Use of "Hosanna" Changed and Ushered in a New Era

• "Hosanna" Depicts Two Places of Spiritual Well-Being

• Using "Hosanna" in Times of Worship and Prayer

• A Hosanna Prayer for Thanksgiving

Check his article here:

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-does-hosanna-mean.html

Meaning in the Bible

Penny Noyes wrote, “Hosanna is often translated “Please Save Us.” It is a Greek word “ὡσαννά” that most scholars believe is the transliteration of two Hebrew words- יָשַׁע- “yasha” which means “to save or deliver” and אָנּאָ – “anna” which means “please, I beseech.” Other scholars believe its Hebrew roots come from a different verb tense of “yasha” הוֹשַׁ֣ע which means to cause or to bring about salvation. In this tense, hosanna becomes a command to bring about or cause salvation.”

The New Testament mentions Hosanna six times. Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem during the week before Passover is described in Matthew, Mark, and John as a time of praise and celebration during which the people chanted "Hosanna".

It was also explained how Hosanna is used in worship: 

1. In Christian Church Songs and Liturgy

2. In Palm Sunday Celebrations

3. In the Jewish Holiday of Sukkot

Be inspired and learn what Hosanna means to us today:

https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/what-is-the-meaning-of-hosanna-in-the-bible.html

Now that you have read the story behind the word Hosanna and its meaning, we can be more intentional about using it. The deeper our understanding, the more meaningful our time of worship and prayer will become.