Greek transliteration of the Hebrew hoshana, “save us.”
The Word
Hosha is “save,” from yeshua, salvation. Na is “us.” The Hebrew Mass celebrated in Israel says, hoshana bameromim. Meromim means “in highest places,” another Hebrew word for heaven. The people who were spreading palm branches in Rabbi Yeshua‘s path as he rode into Jerusalem on the donkey were praying to Him, “Save us in the highest places,” or more colloquially, “Save us in heaven.”
“And the crowds that went before him and that followed him shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’” Mt 21:9.
Koine Greek did not have a sh sound. Rabbis Matityahu, Marcus and Yokhanan transliterated hoshana as closely as the Greek language would allow (Mt 21:9, 15; Mk 11:9, 10; Jn 12:13).
Strictly speaking, hosha is “you save.” But translating hoshana as “you save us” might be misconstrued as a command rather than the plea it is. “Save us” is more idiomatic English.
The Context
From the St. James Vicariate for Hebrew Speaking Catholics in Israel:
Kadosh, kadosh, kadosh, Adonai Tzeba’oth.
Me’lo shamayim va-aretz kevodo.
Hoshana ba-meromim.
Barukh ha-ba be-shem Adonai.
Hoshana ba-meromim.
English Translation
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.