Hosanna

Hosanna appears in the New Testament exclusively during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This Hebrew expression, meaning "save now," became a cry of praise and acclamation.

The word appears in several variations and contexts during this event. The crowds shouted "Hosanna to the Son of David" (Matthew 21:9), combining the cry with messianic recognition. They also proclaimed "Hosanna in the highest" (Mrk.11.10), giving the acclamation a heavenly dimension.

Children in the temple continued shouting "Hosanna to the Son of David" (Matthew 21:15), much to the displeasure of the chief priests and scribes. The crowd's use of palm branches while shouting "Hosanna" (Jhn.12.13) connected this event with traditional Jewish celebrations.

In each gospel account, the Hosanna acclamation is closely tied to recognition of Jesus as the messianic king, the one "who comes in the name of the Lord." The exclamation appears to have shifted from its original meaning as a plea for salvation to become an expression of praise and royal welcome.

Probably derived from Hebrew "hoshia-na" found in Psalm 118:25, which was part of the Hallel sung at major Jewish festivals.