Hallelujah: Praising God With Your Whole Heart

Discover the profound meaning of Hallelujah—a Hebrew cry of praise and thanksgiving to God. Explore how this powerful word was used in Israel’s Temple worship and festivals, and learn its significance in Psalm 113 today.

Hallelujah

In Hebrew it is pronounced “Halleluyah,” and in Greek “Allelouia” — both meaning “(You all) praise the LORD.” Following the Latin reading, it is also pronounced “Alleluia.” It is a shout of encouragement calling all people to praise the LORD together in worship. In other words, it is a kind of exclamation used as a cry of thanksgiving and adoration toward God. This word appears in Psalms 104–106, 111–118, 120–136, and 146–150, and these psalms are collectively called the “Hallel Psalms.” During Israel’s three major festivals — Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles — the Hallel Psalms were used on a regular basis.

Old Testament

Among these, Psalms 113–118, used during the Passover, are known as the “Egyptian Hallel,” as they appear to contain the history of God’s salvation that Israel experienced when coming out of Egypt. The “Great Hallel,” referring to Psalms 120–136 (some scholars limit this to Psalms 135–136), celebrates the care and provision of the LORD God, while Psalms 120–134, subtitled “Songs of Ascents,” appear to have been used during the daily morning sacrifices at the Temple.

New Testament

In the New Testament, “Hallelujah” appears at the end of the age, when the forces of Satan — symbolized by Babylon — are judged and the wedding feast of the Lamb is prepared, as the great victorious multitude cries out with a loud voice to the God of salvation, glory, and power. From the early church to the present day, it remains a beloved expression used as a refrain in the recitation of Psalms, in the liturgical seasons of the church, and whenever joy or deep emotion is expressed.

Hallelujah!!!

Source: Dictionary of Biblical and Cultural Background

Hallelujah, praise, worship of God, Psalms, cry of thanksgiving

Originally published in Korean at bible2u.com