Hosanna

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the people who went ahead of Him and followed Him 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)

“Hosanna” (Hebrew: הושענא) is a term used in Judaism and Christianity. It is a transliteration of a Hebrew phrase into Greek, meaning “save us, we pray,” “save us now,” or “grant us salvation.” It can also be used as an expression of praise, carrying the sense of “You have great power, and you alone are worthy.” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” is a phrase originally used to bless pilgrims (Psalm 118:26). Here, it refers to the Messiah who was to come. Psalm 118 is the last of the six Hallel psalms. The Israelites would use the Hallel psalms in responsive singing during major festivals, and verses 25-26 were the climax of their praise.

Psalm 118:25-26

“Lord, save us!

Lord, grant us success!

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

From the house of the Lord we bless you.”

(Edited and compiled based on the Chinese Union Version Bible and Comprehensive Biblical Interpretation)