Concept in Definition ABC

Hallelujah is a word that is used in two different contexts: in the realm of certain religious rituals or in everyday language. Regarding its etymological origin, alleluia comes from the Hebrew allelu Yah, which could be translated as praise Yahweh or praise God.

The religious sense of the term

In monotheistic religions there is a creator and almighty god. This is what happens in Christianity, Judaism and Islam. In this way, monotheistic beliefs understand that since there is only one true god, believers must venerate and love him above all else. To express adoration and I respect towards the figure of God it is logical to use a term of praise. Thus, if we take Christianity as a reference, the word hallelujah fulfills the function of manifesting joy for the role of god among men.

The exclamation of hallelujah appears frequently in the Bible but also in songs and in moments of celebration during certain liturgical acts. Pronouncing the word hallelujah implies that the believer is fully satisfied and joyful because he feels the presence of God in his soul. Consequently, an exclamation of hallelujah indicates an appreciation of God and a feeling of fulfillment and happiness.

The non-religious sense

If someone says in an exclamatory way "hallelujah, I have done it" is not mentioning a phrase religious but is simply expressing his joy at having accomplished something, usually some kind from achievement personal (for example, passing an important exam).

The word hallelujah indicates joy and satisfaction and, in this sense, resembles the religious meaning of the term. What expression of satisfaction, the word hallelujah has another hue, as it conveys a special relief after having achieved an important objective (exclaiming hallelujah is a way of saying "finally" in a more expressive way and with greater intensity emotional).

Terms of religious origin in everyday language

The word hallelujah serves to remind us that in Spanish many words of religious origin have ended up adapting to the communication everyday and stop having their connotation primitive religious. There are many examples that illustrate this phenomenon: acolyte, proselytism, bull, breviary, charity, heretic, martyr or hell.

On conclusionWe could affirm that religious language goes beyond the religious phenomenon itself. In any case, when using a word it is necessary that we know all its meanings and, of course, its etymological meaning.

Photos: iStock - mashuk / Aldo Murillo