### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G5614 (ὡσαννά, *hōsanná*) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew phrase הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא (*hoshia-na*), which literally means "Save, please!" or "Save now!" It is a compound of the imperative form of the verb `{{H3467}}` (יָשַׁע, *yasha*), meaning "to save" or "to deliver," and the particle `{{H4994}}` (נָא, *na*), an emphatic or entreating particle equivalent to "please" or "I pray." While its etymological root is a fervent plea for deliverance, its semantic range in the New Testament has evolved into an exclamation of adoration, praise, and acclamation, particularly in a messianic context. This transformation from a cry for help to a shout of joy and recognition is crucial for understanding its New Testament usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G5614 appears exclusively in the Gospels, specifically in accounts of Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. It is found in [[Matthew 21:9]], [[Matthew 21:15]], [[Mark 11:9]], [[Mark 11:10]], and [[John 12:13]]. In each instance, it is uttered by the crowds who greet Jesus as He enters the city, often accompanied by the waving of palm branches (`{{G2812}}`).
The most significant context is the direct citation or allusion to [[Psalm 118:25-26]], a psalm traditionally sung during the Feast of Tabernacles and Passover, and widely understood in Jewish tradition to have messianic implications. The phrase "Save us, we pray" (הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא) from [[Psalm 118:25]] is immediately followed by "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!" ([[Psalm 118:26]]). The crowd's acclamation of Jesus, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" ([[Matthew 21:9]]), clearly links Jesus to this prophetic psalm and identifies Him as the long-awaited Messiah.
In [[Mark 11:10]], the cry is "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!" This further emphasizes the messianic and kingly connotations. The phrase "Hosanna in the highest" (`{{G5310}}`) elevates the acclamation from an earthly plea to a heavenly declaration, suggesting that the salvation or praise is directed towards God in the highest heavens, or that the salvation itself originates from the highest heaven. The children's repetition of the cry in the temple ([[Matthew 21:15]]) further underlines its spontaneous, popular acceptance, even drawing the rebuke of the chief priests and scribes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary conceptual links for G5614 are its Hebrew roots: `{{H3467}}` (יָשַׁע, *yasha*, to save, deliver) and `{{H4994}}` (נָא, *na*, please, now). These roots highlight the word's original meaning as a plea for salvation.
Beyond its etymology, hōsanná is intrinsically linked to:
* **Messianic expectation:** The title "Son of David" (`{{G5207}}` `{{G1138}}`) and the reference to "He who comes in the name of the Lord" (`{{G2962}}`) are explicit messianic identifiers.
* **Praise and worship:** While a plea, its New Testament usage transforms it into an acclamation of joyful recognition and adoration, akin to shouts of "Hallelujah" or "Amen."
* **Fulfillment of prophecy:** Its direct connection to [[Psalm 118:25-26]] places it firmly within the framework of Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in Jesus.
* **The Triumphal Entry:** This event, central to Passion Week, is the sole context for its New Testament appearance, making it inseparable from Jesus' public presentation as King and Messiah.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G5614 is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Messianic Acclamation:** The cry of "Hosanna" serves as a public, popular recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. The crowds, perhaps imperfectly understanding the nature of His kingdom, nevertheless recognized Him as the fulfillment of [[Psalm 118]] and the promised deliverer from the lineage of David. It is a spontaneous, Spirit-prompted declaration of His unique identity.
2. **Paradox of Salvation:** The very word "Hosanna," meaning "Save now!", is proclaimed for the one who is about to offer ultimate salvation through His crucifixion. The crowd's plea for earthly deliverance or blessing ironically foreshadows the divine, spiritual salvation Jesus would accomplish through His suffering. The one hailed as King would achieve His kingship through sacrificial service.
3. **Divine Authority and Kingship:** "Hosanna in the highest" elevates the acclamation beyond a mere earthly cheer to a declaration acknowledging Jesus' divine authority and heavenly origin. It suggests that the salvation He brings is not merely political or temporal but cosmic and eternal, originating from God Himself.
4. **Liturgical Resonance:** The enduring presence of "Hosanna" in Christian liturgy, particularly in the Sanctus (e.g., "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Hosts... Hosanna in the highest"), reflects the Church's perpetual acclamation of Christ as the Savior, the coming One, and the King whose reign is from heaven. It bridges the historical event of the Triumphal Entry with the ongoing worship of the ascended Christ.
### Summary
The Greek word G5614 (ὡσαννά, *hōsanná*) is a transliterated Hebrew acclamation meaning "Save, please!" or "Save now!" Originating as a plea for deliverance, its New Testament usage during Jesus' Triumphal Entry transforms it into a joyful shout of praise and messianic recognition. The crowds' cry of "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" ([[Matthew 21:9]]) directly links Jesus to the messianic prophecies of [[Psalm 118:25-26]]. Theologically, hōsanná signifies the public acknowledgment of Jesus as the divine Savior-King, highlighting the paradox of His redemptive mission, and continues to resonate in Christian worship as an enduring acclamation of Christ's saving work and supreme authority.
TRV