Bible glossary
What Does ‘Hosanna’ Mean in the Bible?
Hosanna is a cry meaning save now, we pray, which became a shout of praise welcoming God's promised King.
In short
Hosanna is a cry meaning save now, we pray, which became a shout of praise welcoming God's promised King.
Hosanna comes from a Hebrew plea meaning save now, or save, we pray. It began as an urgent cry for rescue drawn from the Psalms and grew into a shout of joyful welcome, hope and praise braided together.
The crowds shouted it as Jesus entered Jerusalem, waving palm branches and recognizing Him as the promised Son of David. In one word they were both begging to be saved and celebrating the arrival of the Savior.
Key verses
“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
“Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.”
Psalm 118:25
“And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”
Mark 11:9
Hosanna and Jesus
Hosanna was aimed at Jesus, and rightly so. The crowd cried save now to the very One who came to save. Days later He would do it, not with a sword but with a cross. He is still the answer to that ancient cry.