What was Alleluia?

“Alleluia” is a transliteration of a Hebrew expression found in the New Testament, specifically in Revelation 19:1, 3, 4, and 6. The word is a Greek rendering of the Hebrew phrase halelu Yah, meaning “Praise the LORD” or “Praise Yahweh.” It is a compound of halal (הָלַל), meaning “to praise,” and Yah (יָהּ), a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh. In Greek, it appears as Ἁλληλουϊά (Halleluia). In English translations, it is often rendered as “Alleluia” or “Hallelujah.”

In Revelation 19, the word is used as a jubilant expression of worship in response to God’s final judgment upon Babylon and the coming of the marriage supper of the Lamb. It is a unique and powerful outburst of heavenly praise that captures the ultimate triumph of God over evil.

Biblical References

“Alleluia” is used four times in the New Testament, all in Revelation 19:

• Revelation 19:1 – “After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: ‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.’”

• Revelation 19:3 – “And again they shouted: ‘Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.’”

• Revelation 19:4 – “The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: ‘Amen, Hallelujah!’”

• Revelation 19:6 – “Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: ‘Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.’”

The Scene in Revelation

Revelation 19 presents a majestic vision of heavenly rejoicing. The fall of Babylon—the symbol of worldly corruption and rebellion against God—has just been announced (Revelation 18). In response, all of heaven erupts in praise, shouting “Hallelujah” repeatedly. The praise escalates in intensity and scope, involving the heavenly multitude, the twenty-four elders, the four living creatures, and culminating in the declaration that the Lord God Almighty reigns.

This worship scene marks a pivotal moment in redemptive history. The cry of “Alleluia” becomes the anthem of divine victory, signaling the vindication of God’s justice, the end of evil, and the nearness of the wedding of the Lamb and His bride—the Church (Revelation 19:7-9).

What It Means for Today’s Christians

For today’s believers, “Alleluia” is not just a liturgical word or an emotional outburst. It is a profound confession of faith in the sovereignty and righteousness of God. It affirms that, despite the apparent power of evil in the world, God reigns supreme and will bring justice to completion.

This word also anchors the Christian’s hope in the future. The repeated cries of “Alleluia” anticipate the glorious return of Christ, the final defeat of sin, and the eternal union of Christ with His Church. It strengthens believers to persevere through tribulation, knowing that heaven is not silent and that God‘s purposes are moving toward consummation.

How Alleluia Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Jesus is central to the outburst of “Alleluia” in Revelation 19. The praise is offered in response to:

• The justice of God in judging Babylon, which is accomplished by the Lamb (Revelation 17-18).

• The sovereignty of God, fulfilled in the reign of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6).

• The wedding of the Lamb, symbolizing the ultimate redemption of Christ’s people (Revelation 19:7-9).

The gospel is on full display in this scene. It is the Lamb who was slain (Revelation 5:6) who now reigns as King. The redeemed multitude praising God is made up of those who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14). “Alleluia” is a gospel cry—it celebrates the salvation, glory, and power that belong to God alone through Jesus Christ.

Cross-References

• Psalm 104:35 – “Praise the LORD, my soul. Praise the LORD (Hallelujah).” (Hebrew: halelu Yah)

• Psalm 150:1-6 – A climax of praise ending with “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.”

• Isaiah 52:7-10 – The Lord has bared His holy arm, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of God.

• Luke 2:13-14 – The heavenly host praising God at the birth of Jesus.

• Revelation 5:11-13 – Multitudes in heaven praising the Lamb who was slain.

Broader Biblical Themes

Worship and Praise

“Alleluia” reflects the highest form of worship—praise directed solely to God for His character and acts. It reminds us that worship is the eternal occupation of heaven and the right response to God‘s works of salvation and judgment.

Judgment and Justice

The cries of “Alleluia” come in response to God’s righteous judgment on Babylon. This shows that divine justice is not only necessary but praiseworthy. God is holy, and His judgments are true.

Redemption and Glory

The word “Alleluia” is closely tied to the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. The worship scene in Revelation 19 points forward to the final victory of Christ and the full display of His glory.

Victory of God

The repeated “Alleluia” signals that God has triumphed. Evil has been judged, and God‘s kingdom is being established in its fullness. The Church is victorious, not because of its power, but because of the conquering Lamb.

Reflection Questions

1. Do I regularly offer praise to God simply because of who He is, not just what He does for me?

2. How does the heavenly scene in Revelation 19 shape my understanding of worship?

3. Am I encouraged by the promise that evil will not have the final word?

4. What role does hope in Christ’s return play in my daily life and in how I endure suffering?

5. How does the word “Alleluia” help me to see the connection between worship and gospel-centered living?

“Alleluia” is more than an exclamation—it is a battle cry of worship, a triumphant song of the redeemed, and a prophetic declaration of the reign of Christ. As the Church waits for the marriage supper of the Lamb, her voice joins heaven’s chorus: “Alleluia! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.”