One Word Prepared the Way

“Hosanna” is one of the most memorable aspects of Palm Sunday. That word welcomes Jesus into the city of Jerusalem and initiates many of the events that lead to His crucifixion and resurrection. Have you ever stopped to consider what it means, though?

If you are like me, a lot of good, Biblical words have simply become invisible. Through familiarity, I stop seeing them or thinking about them. I can hear them, but not experience their full meaning. This is certainly true of “hosanna.” From infancy, I’ve been attending Palm Sunday services, hearing this word, but not thinking about its definition. However, if this word is entrusted to bring Jesus into Jerusalem, it’s probably worthy of deeper consideration.

According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, “hosanna” is a compound word, originating from two Hebrew words. One of them means “I pray.” The other means “to be open, wide, or free” or to have “ample space.” When you put them together, “hosanna” is a prayer, asking God to bring us into an open space where we have ample room.

Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon notes that the idea of being brought into spacious places is common throughout scripture, signifying two things: 1) salvation and 2) prosperity. When God saves us, He brings us out of the narrow place of death, confined to the tomb. When God blesses us, He brings us out of the confinement of lack and empowers us to fulfill purpose, maximizing God-given potential. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon explains how “hosanna” essentially summarizes Psalm 118: 25: “Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity.” Salvation and prosperity are the two objectives in this prayer.

Therefore, when the multitudes interject “hosanna” on Palm Sunday, they are asking God to bring rescue and blessing through His appointment King, Jesus. However, they are not just asking anymore. They are using the word as a praise. They are no longer hoping God would do Psalm 118:25 at some point in the future. They are recognizing God is now doing Psalm 118:25 in front of their eyes.

There is much more to explore about this word, but perhaps this is a good starting point. This year, as you hear “hosanna,” ask yourself these questions: Where do I feel confined? Where do I need rescue? Where do I need blessing? God entrusted this word to introduce Jesus to Jerusalem. Perhaps, when we identify where we need ample space it prepares us to meet our King as well.