King James Version

What Does Psalms 118:25 Mean?

Psalms 118:25 in the King James Version says “Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 118 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

Psalms 118:25 · KJV


Context

23

This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. the LORD's: Heb. from the LORD

24

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

25

Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

26

Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.

27

God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD (אָנָּא יְהוָה הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא, anna YHWH hoshi'ah na)—Anna means please, I pray; yasha means save, deliver. O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity (אָנָּא יְהוָה הַצְלִיחָה נָּא, anna YHWH hatzlichah na)—Tzalach means prosper, succeed, make prosperous.

"Hoshi'ah na" became "Hosanna" in Greek/English. The crowds shouted this when Jesus entered Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9, Mark 11:9-10), recognizing him as the Davidic king who brings salvation. Psalm 118 is messianic throughout, quoted more in the NT than any other psalm except Psalm 110. The double petition (save/prosper) reflects liturgical usage—probably a antiphonal responsive reading during temple festivals.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 118 was sung during Passover and Tabernacles. The phrase "Hoshi'ah na" gave rise to the Hosanna liturgy, where pilgrims processing to the temple would wave palm branches and cry out for salvation. Jesus's triumphal entry deliberately fulfilled this imagery, claiming messianic identity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding "Hosanna" as a prayer ("Save now!") rather than mere praise transform Palm Sunday?
  2. What does it mean to pray for both salvation (rescue) and prosperity (flourishing) together?
  3. How does Jesus fulfill the ultimate meaning of this verse as the one who saves and brings abundant life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אָֽנָּ֥א1 of 8

I beseech

H577

oh now!

יְ֝הוָ֗ה2 of 8

O LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הוֹשִׁ֘יעָ֥ה3 of 8

Save

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

נָּ֑א4 of 8
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

אָֽנָּ֥א5 of 8

I beseech

H577

oh now!

יְ֝הוָ֗ה6 of 8

O LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הַצְלִ֘יחָ֥ה7 of 8

thee send now prosperity

H6743

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

נָּֽא׃8 of 8
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 118:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 118:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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