Triumphant Praise: ὡσαννά (Strong’s G5614: hosanna) Echoes Divine Salvation

Strong’s G5614: Of Hebrew origin [yasha]; hosanna, an exclamation of adoration meaning “save now”; used as a cry of praise and supplication. Originally a plea for deliverance that evolved into an expression of praise, particularly associated with messianic expectations and temple worship.

U – Unveiling the Word

Hosanna represents a fascinating linguistic and theological evolution in biblical literature. Originally derived from the Hebrew phrase “hoshi’ah na” (meaning “save now” or “save, we pray”), it transformed from a desperate plea for salvation into an exclamation of praise and triumph. In the New Testament context, particularly during Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, it served as both an acknowledgment of His messianic role and a jubilant expression of praise. The early church preserved this dual nature of supplication and celebration, incorporating it into liturgical worship. Today, hosanna continues to bridge ancient Jewish messianic hopes with Christian recognition of Jesus as the fulfillment of these expectations.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὡσαννά, hosanna, /hoˈsanna/
• Detailed pronunciation: hoh-SAN-nah
• Part of Speech: Interjection/Exclamation

Etymology:

• From Hebrew הושיעה נא (hoshi’ah na)
• הושיעה (hoshia) – imperative of “to save”
• נא (na) – particle meaning “now” or “please”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “Save now!” or “Save, we pray!”
• Secondary meaning: Expression of praise or adoration
• Liturgical acclamation of worship

For compound words:
Derived from Hebrew compound: hoshia (save) + na (now/please)

Translation Options:

1. “Hosanna” (transliterated) – preserves historical and liturgical significance
2. “Save us!” – captures original pleading nature
3. “Praise!” – reflects evolved meaning in worship contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δόξα (doxa, /ˈdoksa/) – “glory”, differs in being a noun of praise rather than exclamation
  See G1391
• ἀλληλούϊα (allelouia, /alleˈluia/) – “praise the Lord”, similar liturgical exclamation
  See G239

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an interjection, ὡσαννά is indeclinable, meaning it doesn’t change form based on case, number, or gender. It maintains a fixed form regardless of its grammatical context.

• Cross-references: No direct morphological variations as it is a transliterated exclamation

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The term ὡσαννά presents a unique case in biblical Greek lexicography. BDAG emphasizes its evolution from a cry for help to an acclamation of praise. Thayer’s highlights its ceremonial usage in Jewish festivals, particularly during the Feast of Tabernacles. LSJ notes its rare appearance in classical Greek, being primarily a Jewish and Christian term. Vine’s emphasizes its transition from supplication to praise, while Strong’s connects it to its Hebrew roots. Moulton and Milligan document its continued use in early Christian worship contexts, showing how it became a standard part of Christian liturgy.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna [ὡσαννά] to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna [ὡσαννά] in the highest!”

Additional References:
Mark 11:9
Mark 11:10
John 12:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The journey of ὡσαννά from a cry for salvation to an expression of praise mirrors the Christian experience of salvation itself. Originally a desperate plea for divine intervention, it transformed into a joyous declaration of faith and gratitude. This evolution reflects the gospel message perfectly – we begin by crying out for salvation, and upon receiving it through Christ, our cries turn to praise. The word encapsulates both our need for salvation and our celebration of its fulfillment in Jesus, making it a powerful testament to God’s redemptive work.

D – Did You Know?

1. During the Feast of Tabernacles, Jews would wave palm branches while shouting “Hosanna,” a tradition that connects to Jesus’s triumphal entry.
2. The word appears in ancient Christian liturgies as part of the Sanctus prayer.
3. It’s one of the few Hebrew phrases preserved in Greek transliteration in the New Testament.

Strong’s G5614: A transliterated Hebrew expression that evolved from a plea for salvation to a jubilant exclamation of praise. Used in Jewish temple worship and Christian liturgy, it embodies both supplication and celebration, particularly associated with messianic acknowledgment and divine deliverance.

Part of speech: Interjection/Exclamation

Tags: praise, worship, salvation, messianic, liturgical, temple_worship, palm_sunday, triumph, acclamation, hebrew_origins​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​