In Hebrew it means “save now,” so it is a short prayer. But when the crowds yelled it as Jesus made His way to Jerusalem (Matt. 21:9; John 12:13), the meaning was more of praise. The Gospels state that the people said, “Hosanna to the Son of David” and “Hosanna in the highest,” indicating that they believed they were calling to a great man, perhaps Israel’s long-awaited Messiah. The word is still used in worship services.