And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:

MARK 11:9KJV
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Mark 11:9 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“Hosanna” Greek G5614 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 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.
  • Matthew 21:15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,
  • Mark 11:10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

“before” Greek G4254 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
  • Matthew 28:7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
  • Acts 12:6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

“Blessed” Greek G2127 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 1:64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
  • Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

“cried” Greek G2896 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
  • Mark 15:13 And they cried out again, Crucify him.
  • Acts 19:34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.