And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The word "Hosanna" literally means "Save now, we pray!" This isn't just a celebratory cheer; it's a desperate plea for salvation directed towards Jesus, recognizing Him as the long-awaited Messiah who can bring it. The shouts highlight that the crowds expected rescue and liberation from their present circumstances, a hope that would soon be tested in ways they couldn't yet fathom.
And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is making his final journey towards Jerusalem, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy as he enters the city riding on a donkey. A huge crowd, likely stirred by the recent miracle of Lazarus' resurrection, greets him with enthusiastic cries, spreading their cloaks and palm branches to honor him as the promised Son of David and King. This joyous, prophetic acclamation, echoing ancient psalms, marks a significant moment where Jesus openly accepts the title of Messiah, setting the stage for the dramatic events of Passover week.
What does 'Hosanna' really mean? It’s more than just a shout of praise; it’s a desperate plea and a powerful acknowledgment.
The word 'Hosanna' comes from Hebrew and literally means 'Save us, we pray!' or 'Save now!' It's a cry found in Psalm 118, a psalm frequently recited during Jewish festivals.
A Plea for Deliverance
When the crowds shouted 'Hosanna!' to Jesus, they weren't just cheering; they were invoking God's saving power. They saw Jesus as the one sent by God to rescue them, likely from Roman oppression and their own spiritual struggles.
A Messianic Title
Coupled with 'to the Son of David,' the cry 'Hosanna!' was a clear declaration that they believed Jesus was the promised Messiah, the descendant of King David, who they expected to bring deliverance and restore their kingdom.
Why would a king, especially one hailed as the Messiah, ride a borrowed colt? This wasn't just a humble entrance; it was a powerful statement.
Jesus' choice to enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey's colt, rather than a warhorse, was a deliberate fulfillment of prophecy and a radical redefinition of kingship.
Fulfilling Prophecy
The prophet Zechariah foretold that the coming King would arrive 'meek and riding on a donkey, even a colt, the foal of a donkey' (Zechariah 9:9). Jesus’ action was a clear sign that He was the promised Messiah.
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A Different Kind of Kingdom
Unlike earthly kings who rode powerful steeds to display might and dominance, Jesus rode a humble donkey. This wasn't a sign of weakness, but of a kingdom not of this world—a kingdom focused on peace, salvation, and serving others, not on military conquest. The crowds, though enthusiastic, struggled to grasp this spiritual nature of His reign.
The same voices shouting 'Hosanna!' were soon to cry 'Crucify Him!'. What does this rapid shift reveal about crowds and conviction?
The enthusiastic crowd on Palm Sunday demonstrates the fickle nature of popular opinion and the difference between excitement and true discipleship.
A Mix of Motivations
The multitude consisted of many people with different reasons for joining the acclaim. Some genuinely recognized Jesus as the Messiah, perhaps stirred by the recent miracle of Lazarus. Others were caught up in the excitement of the moment, the festive atmosphere, or their own hopes for a political deliverer.
Excitement vs. Commitment
While their shouts of 'Hosanna!' were a public acknowledgment of Jesus, this outward show didn't necessarily translate into deep, lasting commitment. Jesus Himself knew that many who cheered Him that day would later abandon Him. True discipleship involves more than a moment of acclamation; it requires a steadfast heart that remains loyal even when things get difficult, not just when it's popular.
Understand the original words
huiō Dauid · Greek Noun Phrase
A term of messianic expectation referring to the promised heir of King David, through whom God would establish an eternal kingdom; it identifies Jesus as the long-awaited King of Israel.
Hōsanna · Greek Interjection
A Hebrew exclamation meaning 'save us' or 'give salvation now,' which became a prayer of praise and petition directed toward God or the Messiah.
kyriou · Greek Noun
The sacred personal name of God (Yahweh) in the Old Testament, representing His covenant relationship with Israel and His divine authority.
hypsistois · Greek Adjective/Noun
A divine, spatial, and spiritual realm where God dwells; referencing the 'highest' implies that the praise for the Messiah originates from the very presence of God in heaven.
The crowds' shouts of 'Hosanna!' were deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and scripture, particularly Psalm 118, which was sung during celebratory festivals. Their acclamations, while seemingly spontaneous, were a recognition of Jesus as the prophesied Messiah, fulfilling ancient expectations at a politically charged moment.
c. 7th Century BC
Prophecies of the Messiah
Prophets like Zechariah foretold the coming of a humble king riding on a donkey, a prophecy that would later be seen as directly fulfilled by Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.
Late 1st Century BC - Early 1st Century AD
Messianic Expectations Rise
In the decades leading up to Jesus' ministry, Jewish hopes for a Messiah to deliver them from Roman oppression and restore Israel's glory were particularly high.
c. AD 30
Raising of Lazarus
Jesus' miraculous raising of Lazarus from the dead just days before His entry into Jerusalem caused a massive stir, bringing many people to believe in Him and fueling excitement.
c. AD 30— this verse
Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus deliberately entered Jerusalem riding a donkey, fulfilling prophecy and accepting the acclamations of the crowd who hailed Him as the Son of David and King.
c. AD 30
Jesus Clears the Temple
Immediately after His triumphant entry, Jesus demonstrated His authority by cleansing the Temple, further challenging the religious establishment.
c. AD 30
Jesus Rejected by Leaders
While the crowds hailed Jesus, the religious leaders were threatened by His claims and popularity, leading to His eventual arrest and crucifixion.
This passage directly supplies the words the crowd is shouting, identifying Jesus as the one who comes in the Lord's name and calling for salvation.
Zechariah 9:9Matthew explicitly states that Jesus' entry fulfills this prophecy of a meek king arriving on a donkey, providing the theological context for the crowd's acclamation.
Luke 19:37-40This parallel account emphasizes the disciples' rejoicing and the Pharisees' concern, highlighting the momentous and controversial nature of Jesus' public declaration of kingship.
John 12:12-13John's Gospel adds the detail of the crowd using palm branches and specifically calling Jesus the 'King of Israel,' underscoring the national and Messianic hopes attached to his arrival.
1 Kings 1:39-40This Old Testament passage describes a similar acclamation for Solomon's enthronement, showing the ancient tradition of recognizing a new king with shouts of 'Hosanna' and blessings, providing a historical precedent for Jesus' reception.
vincentMatthew 21:9: "And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest."
HosannaO save!
henryMatthew 21:1-11: "And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,"
21:1-11 This coming of Christ was described by the prophet Zechariah, Zec 9:9. When Christ would appear in his glory, it is in his meekness, not in his majesty, in mercy to work salvation. As meekness and outward poverty were fully seen in Zion's King, and marked his triumphal entrance to Jerusalem, how wrong covetousness, ambition, and the pride of lif…
The word "Hosanna" literally means "Save now, we pray!" This isn't just a celebratory cheer; it's a desperate plea for salvation directed towards Jesus, recognizing Him as the long-awaited Messiah who can bring it. The shouts highlight that the crowds expected rescue and liberation from their present circumstances, a hope that would soon be tested in ways they couldn't yet fathom.
Jesus is making his final journey towards Jerusalem, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy as he enters the city riding on a donkey. A huge crowd, likely stirred by the recent miracle of Lazarus' resurrection, greets him with enthusiastic cries, spreading their cloaks and palm branches to honor him as the promised Son of David and King. This joyous, prophetic acclamation, echoing ancient psalms, marks a significant moment where Jesus openly accepts the title of Messiah, setting the stage for the dramatic events of Passover week.
Jesus is making his final journey towards Jerusalem, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy as he enters the city riding on a donkey. A huge crowd, likely stirred by the recent miracle of Lazarus' resurrection, greets him with enthusiastic cries, spreading their cloaks and palm branches to honor him as the promised Son of David and King. This joyous, prophetic acclamation, echoing ancient psalms, marks a significant moment where Jesus openly accepts the title of Messiah, setting the stage for the dramatic events of Passover week.
"And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”" — The word "Hosanna" literally means "Save now, we pray!" This isn't just a celebratory cheer; it's a desperate plea for salvation directed towards Jesus, recognizing Him as the long-awaited Messiah wh…
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Last reviewed October 2026