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ὡσαννά

hōsanná

G5614 exclamation

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain to save, to deliver, to beseech

Definition

An exclamatory cry meaning 'Save now!' or 'Please save!', used as an urgent appeal for deliverance or salvation; also functioning in later contexts as an expression of praise or acclamation addressed to a figure of authority (typically in a liturgical or processional context). The term begins as a plea for help but comes to be used as a formulaic acclamation in public celebrations.

Semantic Range

cry for help or deliverance, plea for salvation, liturgical acclamation, expression of praise or celebration

Root / Etymology

ὡσαννά is a transliteration of Hebrew הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא (hôšî‘â nā’), meaning 'save, please' or 'save now'. The phrase combines the imperative of the root יָשַׁע ('to save, deliver') with the particle נָא ('please, now'). Entered Greek via liturgical use in Jewish tradition and preserved in Greek texts as an untranslated acclamation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

ὡσαννά appears in the New Testament as a liturgical formula, especially in the context of welcoming a royal or messianic figure, echoing Psalm 118:25 in the Hebrew Bible and its use in later Jewish worship at festivals such as Sukkot. In its Greek rendering, the term is not translated but simply carried over as a transliterated phrase, reflecting its established function in spoken and sung liturgy. Over time, the sense shifted from an explicit petition for deliverance ('Save now!') to an expression of praise or honor. English translations often retain 'hosanna' as a loanword, obscuring the original plea for rescue embedded in the term. The usage in the Gospels shows both senses: petition and celebration. Unlike other acclamatory cries in Greek, ὡσαννά is unique in its Hebraic origin and its double function as plea and praise.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of Hebrew origin (יָשַׁע and נָא); oh save!; hosanna (i.e. hoshia-na), an exclamation of adoration:--hosanna.

Root Family

ὡσαννά (hōsanna) — save, deliver, beseech

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5614-01 ὡσαννὰ osanna EXCL Hosanna Save now! Save now 6

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5614-01 Matthew 21:9 ὡσαννὰ osanna EXCL Hosanna Save now! Save now
G5614-01 Matthew 21:9 ὡσαννὰ osanna-2 EXCL Hosanna Save now! Save now
G5614-01 Matthew 21:15 ὡσαννὰ osanna EXCL Hosanna Save now! Save now
G5614-01 Mark 11:9 ὡσαννά osanna EXCL Hosanna Save now! Hosanna
G5614-01 Mark 11:10 ὡσαννὰ osanna EXCL Hosanna Save now! Hosanna
G5614-01 John 12:13 ὡσαννά osanna EXCL Hosanna Save now! Save now
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