Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Hallelujah Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🙌
Add to dictionary

hallelujah

[ˌhæl.əˈluː.jə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Interjection

expression of joy

Hallelujah is an expression of praise or joy, often used in religious contexts. It is derived from the Hebrew phrase 'Hallelu Yah', which means 'praise the Lord'. It is commonly exclaimed during communal worship or as a spontaneous expression of gratitude.

Synonyms

alleluia, glory, praise the Lord.

Examples of usage

  • The congregation sang 'Hallelujah' during the service.
  • He shouted 'Hallelujah!' when he heard the good news.
  • The choir performed a powerful rendition of 'Hallelujah'.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Religious Significance

  • In Christianity, it is frequently used in hymns and during worship services as an expression of faith and gratitude.
  • Many psalms in the Bible begin or end with 'hallelujah', reflecting its importance in worship and prayer.
  • It's often chanted during celebrations, especially during Easter and other major religious events.

Pop Culture

  • The song 'Hallelujah' by Leonard Cohen has been covered by various artists and is known for its beautiful melody and emotional lyrics.
  • It is commonly used in movies and television shows, often during moments of triumph or deep emotional connection.
  • The word has transcended its religious roots, appearing in music genres like pop, rock, and even hip-hop.

Psychology

  • Expressions of joy like 'hallelujah' can trigger positive emotions, influencing overall mood and feelings of well-being.
  • Studies show that expressing gratitude and praise can lead to greater happiness and psychological resilience.
  • The communal use of such joyous phrases can strengthen social bonds among groups, fostering a sense of belonging.

Literature

  • Writers often use 'hallelujah' to convey joy or relief in various literary works, adding emotional depth to their narratives.
  • In poetry, this exclamation can symbolize a turning point, expressing a breakthrough or moment of revelation.
  • Its repetitive nature makes it a powerful refrain in songs and poems, enhancing the emotional impact of the text.

Origin of 'hallelujah'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Hebrew, where 'hallel' means to praise and 'Yah' is a short form for God’s name.
  • Its first use in religious texts can be traced back to ancient Jewish scriptures, indicating the significance of praise in worship.
  • Over time, 'hallelujah' has been adopted into many languages, retaining a similar meaning of joy and praise.

The word 'Hallelujah' comes from the Hebrew expression 'Halelu Yah', which is a combination of 'halal' meaning to praise, and 'Yah', a shortened form of 'Yahweh', the name of God in the Hebrew Bible. The term has a long history in religious texts and was used extensively in Jewish liturgy. It was adopted into Christianity, where it appears frequently in hymns and liturgical settings. Over the centuries, 'Hallelujah' has transcended its religious roots, becoming a popular expression of joy or gratitude in various cultural contexts. The word has been immortalized in literature and music, most notably in Leonard Cohen's song 'Hallelujah', which contributed to its resurgence in contemporary culture.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,488, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.