Hallelujah is a Hebrew phrase meaning “praise God” or “praise the Lord,” used in both Jewish and Christian worship. It is often used as an expression of joy and thanksgiving. The word is present in religious and secular songs, and related terms include amen, kyrie eleison, hosanna, maranatha, and abba. Other religions have similar terms of praise and worship.
Hallelujah is an English interjection derived from a Hebrew phrase meaning “praise God” or “praise the Lord.” The alternate spelling hallelujah is taken from the Latin form of the original Hebrew. For both Jews and Christians, the term is often used as a joyful expression of praise and thanksgiving to God.
In the Bible
The Hebrew word is used several times in the Old Testament book of Psalms. Indeed, Psalms 104-150 are often referred to as Hallel Psalms or Songs of Praise, due to their frequent repetition of the hallelujah. The first part of the word, “hallelu” is an imperative verb, instructing listeners to praise. The last syllable, “jah,” is considered a shortened form of God’s name, often referred to as Lord, Yahweh, Jehovah, or tetragrammaton.
in adoration
The worship services, prayers and hymns of many Christian traditions have used this word for centuries. In the Catholic Church, a liturgical chant known as the Alleluia is given at every Roman mass except during Lent. Evangelical churches often shout Hallelujah during services as a sign of approval or thanks. This is often followed by phrases like “amen” or “praise God!”
Non-religious use
The word alleluia is also present in religious and secular songs of all musical genres. One of the best-known uses of the term is in Handel’s Messiah, which contains the hallelujah chorus. In popular culture, one of the best-known uses of the term is in Leonard Cohen’s song of the same name. As a non-religious interjection, this word means happiness, similar to “hooray!” It can also be said sarcastically in situations where the speaker is not feeling the joy that is expected of him or her. While this use of the term may be offensive to some religious people, many take it in stride and may use the term in this way themselves.
Related terms
Words that are often used in conjunction with hallelujah in Christian worship include amen, kyrie eleison, hosanna, maranatha, and abba. Amen is used to affirm agreement with something or to confirm something, while kyrie eleison is used to call upon God to hear a prayer or to help the faithful. Hosanna can also be used in this way, but it can also be used as an expression of praise. Maranatha is said when a person wants to mark the return of the Lord’s return to earth, or ask him to come soon, and Abba, the Hebrew word for father, is used as an alternative name for God.
Other religions have similar terms of praise and worship. For example, in Islamic worship, the term alhamdulillah, or “praise be to God,” is commonly used, as is allahu akbar, meaning “God is the greatest.” Buddhists often chant during worship and may repeat mantras such as om mani padme hum, which is associated with compassion. Similarly, Sikhs often repeat Waheguru, which is the name of God; or the Ardas, which is an intercessory prayer, during worship.
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