Alleluia

For other uses, see Hallelujah (disambiguation).

Alleluia for Christmas Eve, with Jubilus (verse has been omitted)

Alleluia (/ˌɑːləˈlʊjə, -jɑː/ AL-ə-LOO-yə, -⁠yah; from Hebrew הללויה‎ (hal'luyáh) 'praise Yah') is a phrase in Christianity used to give praise to God.[1][2][3] In Christian worship, Alleluia is used as a liturgical chant in which that word is combined with verses of scripture, usually from the Psalms.[4] This chant is commonly used before the proclamation of the Gospel. In Western Christianity, congregations commonly cease using the word Alleluia during the period of Lent but restore it into their services at Easter.[5][6] The form of praise "Alleluia" is used by Christians to thank and glorify God; it finds itself present in many prayers and hymns, especially those related to Eastertide, such as "Christ the Lord is Risen Today".[7][8][4]

  1. ^ Young, Carlton R. (1993). Companion to the United Methodist Hymnal. Abingdon Press. p. 204. ISBN 978-0-687-09260-4. Alleluia is the Latin form of Hallelujah, an acclamation formed by joining "Hallelu" (to praise) with the first syllable in a Hebrew name for God, Yahweh.
  2. ^ Carpenter, Eugene E.; Comfort, Philip Wesley (2000). Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew Words Defined and Explained. B&H Publishing Group. p. 298. ISBN 978-0-8054-9352-8.
  3. ^ Hardon, John (4 September 1985). Pocket Catholic Dictionary: Abridged Edition of [Modern Catholic Dictionary. Crown Publishing Group. p. 13. ISBN 978-0-385-23238-8. Alleluia. Hebrew hallelujah "praise Yahweh".
  4. ^ a b Greenman, Jeffrey P.; Sumner, George R. (2004). Unwearied Praises: Exploring Christian Faith Through Classic Hymns. Clements Publishing Group. p. 84. ISBN 978-1-894667-48-7. The term "Alleluia" or "Hallelujah" represents a call to praise derived from the Hebrew "Hallelu Yah" (a shortened form for Yahweh), which simply means, "Praise the Lord." It is common for Psalms used in Temple worship to begin and end with "Alleluia". Likewise, in the New Testament's description of heavenly worship, we find "Hallelujah" as the centre of the multitude's "roar" of praise. They sum up creation's praise by singing: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!" (Revelation 19:6-7) Given the prominence of "Alleluia" as a biblical form of praise, it is no surprise that one of the greatest Easter hymns, "Jesus Christ is Risen Today" repeats "Alleluia" at the end of each line.
  5. ^ "Why don't we use alleluias during Lent?" (PDF). Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. 2013. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  6. ^ Weaver, J. Dudley Jr. (2002). Presbyterian Worship: A Guide for Clergy. Geneva Press. p. 106. ISBN 978-0664502188. The alleluia is traditionally not sung during Lent, and, here at the first service of Easter, it is at last reintroduced to the church's liturgy.
  7. ^ Rowlett, Martha Graybeal (27 June 2013). Weaving Prayer into the Tapestry of Life. WestBow Press. p. 90. ISBN 978-1-4497-9517-7. Christians have used the words "Alleluia" and "Hallelujah" from the Hebrew word for praise to transcend the limits of ordinary human language.
  8. ^ Datsko, Rob; Datsko, Kathy (2011). Building Bridges Between Spirit-filled Christians and Latter-day Saints (Mormons): A Translation Guide for Born Again Spirit-filled Christians (Charismatics / Pentecostals / Renewalists and Third Wavers) and Latter-day Saints. eBookIt.com. ISBN 978-1-4566-0669-5. 'Alleluia' and "Hallelujah' are commonly used within SFC circles. This word comes from the combination of the Hebrew words Halal + Jehovah. Halal means to celebrate and praise. Therefore, Alleluia is the joyful obedience to the commandment to "Praise Jehovah" and "Celebrate Jesus". SFC often believe that any true Christian will overflow with celebration and praise to the Lord.