WORD OF THE WEEK: ALLELUIA

A study of old and/or unique words from the Bible that are worth knowing

“…I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honour and power belong to the Lord our God!” (Revelation 19:1 NKJV)

Alleluia (al-le-loo’-yah) a Greek word (Strong’s G239, ‘allelouia’) that literally means, ‘“Praise ye Jah!” (or in modern language, “Praise the Lord!”), an adoring exclamation’ Formed from the two Hebrew words ‘hawlal’ (Strong’s H1984) and ‘Yahh’ (Strong’s H3050.) which respectively mean, ‘to be clear, to shine, to make a show, celebrate, commend, make a boast, sing, praise, cause renown’ and ‘”Jah, the sacred name,” “Jah, the Lord, most vehement (to the highest degree)”’

    Although most every Christian is familiar with the word, “alleluia” only appears in the Bible four times – all in one chapter! Revelation 19:1, 3, 4, and 6.

    Alleluia exclaims a celebration of God’s renown! It commends His goodness, His greatness, His might, His majesty!! It is often followed by a direct mention of His doings that have caused joy in the heart of the one exclaiming His praise! 

    To further your study and understanding, make time this week to read Psalms 146-150. These psalms are not very long and you will find them very uplifting! You will see how the psalmist uses the Hebrew word “Hallelujah” to declare God’s greatness, making his boast in the Lord’s magnificence, everlasting love, and constant care!!

    Consider adding the word “alleluia” to your prayers – you can begin today, a day on which the whole of Canada is encouraged to thank God for His blessings* – follow your exclamation with specific praise of God – something wonderful He has done and continues to do - magnify His greatness in your heart and mind by recalling His blessings and His continual goodness, so that your lips may utter His praise!!

“PRAISE THE LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.” (Psalm 146:1-2 NKJV)

You can do it! So can I!! 

*On January 31, 1957, the Governor General of Canada, Vincent Massey, issued a proclamation stating: "A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed – to be observed on the second Monday in October."