Hosanna - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words
Hosanna
[ 1,,G5614, hosanna ]in the Hebrew, means save, we pray." The word seems to have become an utterance of praise rather than of prayer, though originally, probably, a cry for help. The people's cry at the Lord's triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9, Matthew 21:15; Mark 11:9-Mark 11:10; John 12:13) was taken from Ps. 118, which was recited at the Feast of Tabernacles (See FEAST) in the great Hallel (Psalms 113 to 118) in responses with the priest, accompanied by the waving of palm and willow branches. "The last day of the feast" was called "the great Hosanna;" the boughs also were called "hosannas."