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 21:9KJV
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Matthew 21:9 (KJV)

What does Matthew 21:9 mean?

Matthew 21:9 describes crowds of people welcoming Jesus as he enters Jerusalem, shouting praises and calling him the "Son of David," which shows they see him as the long-awaited Messiah. They cry out "Hosanna," a word expressing both praise and a plea for salvation, and bless the one who comes in God's name.

In this scene, the crowds are both ahead of and behind Jesus as he rides into Jerusalem, creating a public and joyful procession. Their words echo Old Testament phrases used for welcoming a king or a deliverer, highlighting the hope and excitement surrounding Jesus. The phrase "Hosanna in the highest" shows their belief that Jesus' arrival has heavenly importance and is part of God's plan.

The Greek behind Matthew 21:9

  • Ὡσαννά (Hosanna, G5614): This word is borrowed from Hebrew and means "save now" or "please save." In this context, it has become a joyful shout of praise, but it still carries the sense of asking for deliverance.
  • Υἱὸς Δαυίδ (huios Dauid, G5207 & G1138): "Son of David" is a title for the Messiah, connecting Jesus to King David's royal line and the promises God made about a future deliverer.
  • Ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου (ho erchomenos en onomati Kyriou, G2064, G1722, G3686, G2962): "He that cometh in the name of the Lord" is a phrase from Psalm 118, used here to recognize Jesus as God's chosen representative.
  • ἐν τοῖς ὑψίστοις (en tois hypsistois, G1722, G5310): "In the highest" points to heaven, suggesting that their praise and plea for salvation are directed to God above and that Jesus' coming has cosmic significance.

Why Matthew 21:9 matters

  • Matthew 21:9 shows that the people recognized Jesus as a significant figure, possibly the Messiah, by calling him "Son of David" and using language from the Psalms.
  • The verse connects Jesus' entry into Jerusalem with Old Testament hopes for a deliverer, showing how the crowds saw his arrival as the fulfillment of God's promises.
  • Understanding the meaning of "Hosanna" and the use of royal and messianic titles helps clarify why this moment is so important in the story of Jesus' final days.

Where else these words appear

“Hosanna” Greek G5614 · used in 5 verses

  • 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 11:9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
  • Mark 11:10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

“highest” Greek G5310 · used in 13 verses

  • Mark 5:7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
  • Luke 1:76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
  • Luke 19:38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory 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.
  • Mark 6:45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
  • 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.