הַלְלוּיָהּ
Hallelujah
“Praise the Lord”
Hallelujah (הַלְלוּיָהּ) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “praise the lord,” pronounced “ha-le-lu-YAH.” The literal translation is “praise yah (the lord).” An exclamation of praise to God that has transcended Hebrew to become one of the most universally recognized words on earth. Used in worship, celebration, and spontaneous joy.
| Hebrew | הַלְלוּיָהּ |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Hallelujah |
| English Meaning | Praise the Lord |
| Literal Translation | Praise Yah (the LORD) |
| Pronunciation | ha-le-lu-YAH |
| Category | Blessings & Spiritual |
| Origin | Biblical Hebrew — from the Psalms. Hallelujah appears 24 times in the Hebrew Bible, concentrated in the 'Hallel' Psalms (113-118) and the final Psalms (146-150). Psalm 150 uses it as a frame: 'Hallelujah! Praise God in His sanctuary.' |
| Scripture Reference | Psalm 150:1 |
There is perhaps no Hebrew word more globally recognized than Hallelujah. From the Psalms of David to Leonard Cohen's haunting ballad, from gospel choirs in Atlanta to Ethiopian Orthodox churches, this single Hebrew exclamation has crossed every linguistic, cultural, and religious boundary on earth. It is composed of two elements: hallelu (praise, plural imperative) and Yah (a shortened form of God's sacred name YHWH). When you say Hallelujah, you are issuing a command in ancient Hebrew: 'All of you — praise the Lord!' It appears 24 times in the Hebrew Bible, always in the book of Psalms, where it functions as both an opening and closing exclamation of communal worship.
Scripture Reference: Psalm 150:1
“Hallelujah! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.”
Where Does “Hallelujah” Come From?
Biblical Hebrew — from the Psalms. Hallelujah appears 24 times in the Hebrew Bible, concentrated in the 'Hallel' Psalms (113-118) and the final Psalms (146-150). Psalm 150 uses it as a frame: 'Hallelujah! Praise God in His sanctuary.'
When and How to Say “Hallelujah”
Used in Jewish and Christian worship as an exclamation of praise. In Jewish liturgy, the Hallel psalms containing Hallelujah are recited on festivals. In everyday Hebrew, it can also express relief or gratitude ('Hallelujah, the bus finally came!').
Cultural Context of Hallelujah
Hallelujah may be the most successfully exported Hebrew word in history. It appears in worship music across every Christian denomination, in Islamic tradition (as a word associated with paradise), and in secular pop culture through songs like Handel's 'Hallelujah Chorus' and Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah.'
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “Praise the Lord” in Hebrew?
“Praise the Lord” in Hebrew is Hallelujah (הַלְלוּיָהּ), pronounced “ha-le-lu-YAH.” The literal translation is “Praise Yah (the LORD).” An exclamation of praise to God that has transcended Hebrew to become one of the most universally recognized words on earth. Used in worship, celebration, and spontaneous joy.
How do you pronounce Hallelujah?
Hallelujah is pronounced “ha-le-lu-YAH.” The literal meaning is “Praise Yah (the LORD).”
What does Hallelujah literally mean in Hebrew?
Hallelujah is composed of two parts: 'Hallelu' (הַלְלוּ) meaning 'praise' in the plural imperative form — a command addressed to a group — and 'Yah' (יָהּ), a shortened form of God's sacred name YHWH. Together it means 'All of you, praise the LORD!'
How many times does Hallelujah appear in the Bible?
Hallelujah appears 24 times in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively in the book of Psalms. It's concentrated in the Hallel Psalms (113-118) recited on Jewish festivals and the final five Psalms (146-150), each of which opens and closes with Hallelujah.
Is it Hallelujah or Alleluia?
Both spellings represent the same Hebrew word. 'Hallelujah' preserves the Hebrew 'h' sound at the beginning and the 'j' representing the Hebrew 'yod.' 'Alleluia' is the Latin/Greek transliteration used in Catholic and some Protestant traditions. The pronunciation is essentially identical.
Sources & Further Study
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Elohim Yevarekh Otkha
God bless you
Shalom Aleikhem
Peace be with you
Adonai Ro'i
The Lord is my shepherd
Barukh Atah Adonai
Blessed are You, Lord
Shema Yisrael
Hear, O Israel
Im Yirtzeh Hashem
God willing
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