And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
MARK 11:9KJVWhat does Mark 11:9 mean?
Mark 11:9 describes how the crowds, both those ahead of Jesus and those following behind, shouted praise as Jesus entered Jerusalem, calling out "Hosanna" and blessing the one who comes in the name of the Lord. The verse shows the people welcoming Jesus with words that express hope and recognition of someone sent by God.
In this scene, Jesus is riding into Jerusalem, and the people are responding with excitement and reverence. The words they shout come from Psalm 118, a passage often used in Jewish worship to greet pilgrims and express trust in God's deliverance. By using these words, the crowd is treating Jesus as a significant, God-sent figure, possibly even the long-awaited Messiah.
The Greek behind Mark 11:9
- Ὡσαννά (Hosanna, G5614): This word is a transliteration of a Hebrew phrase meaning "save now" or "please save." In this context, it has become a shout of praise and hope, not just a request for help.
- Εὐλογημένος (Eulogēmenos, G2127): This word means "blessed" or "praised." The crowd is declaring that the one coming in God's name is favored and honored.
- ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου (en onomati Kyriou, G1722 G3686 G2962): This phrase means "in the name of the Lord." It signals that Jesus is coming with God's authority or as God's representative.
Why Mark 11:9 matters
- Mark 11:9 clarifies that the crowd saw Jesus as someone special, using language reserved for those sent by God, which helps explain the excitement and tension of the moment.
- The verse connects Jesus' entry to Old Testament hopes and prophecies, especially Psalm 118, showing how people interpreted Jesus' arrival in light of their scriptures.
- Understanding the original words and their background reveals that "Hosanna" was more than a cheer—it was a plea for salvation and a recognition of God's work through Jesus.