What does "Hallelujah" mean?
Quick answer
"Hallelujah" is a Hebrew word meaning "Praise the LORD" — a one-word command, a battle cry, and the song of heaven, found especially in the psalms and at the great worship scenes of Revelation.
The Hebrew is two parts: halal (praise) and Yah (a short form of Yahweh, the LORD). To shout Hallelujah is to summon all creation to praise God.
The psalms are full of it — Psalms 146–150 begin and end with it. It is a word for the worshiping community, not a private mood.
Hallelujah also closes the Bible. In Revelation 19, the great multitude in heaven roars, "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns." It is the last word of history.
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Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.