Words & expressions
Hosanna
A plea meaning “Save, please,” which also became a shout of praise and welcome.
What it means
The word comes from the Hebrew plea for rescue in Psalm 118:25. In the Gospels it is also the cry of the crowds welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem.
How it appears in the Bible
In Matthew 21, people spread clothes and branches on the road and shout Hosanna to Jesus as the son of David. In John 12, they take palm branches to meet him and acclaim him as the King of Israel.