I once worshiped with a man that, instead of saying, “amen,” as is the custom of most, would say instead, “hallelujah!” And he didn’t just say it, he really belted it out. I always found it peculiar, I think, because of how rare it was that I heard that word said. I’ve heard it in songs a lot, both here and at every other church I’ve worshiped with, but I’ve rarely heard it spoken outside of song.
Do you know how many times the word “hallelujah” is in the New Testament? Four. Every one is recorded in the Book of Revelation, the nineteenth chapter, in the first six verses.
The Koine Greek, ἁλληλουϊά, is transliterated into “hallelouia” before being transliterated further into what we know as our word “hallelujah.” I’ll spare you the entire literary process, though it is fascinating.
I’m not sure how important all of that information is to you, but I’ve been of the opinion that every time I learn something new, I’m therefore enabled to live a richer, fuller life.
What I know is important is that, whatever language we read, that the meaning not be lost. The word hallelujah literally means, “praise ye the Lord,” which is easy to remember if you’re familiar with the children’s song “Alleluia (yet another variation of the same word) Praise ye the Lord.”
Why mention all of this? It’s because the older I get, the more I think about words. Words are important. We think in words. We speak in words. The Bible puts great weight on words.
Jesus said in Matthew 12:34 and 36-37,
…the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart… every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
And James says in James 3:8-10,
8 But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; 10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.
Don’t you believe for a moment that your words aren’t important.
I’ll also confess, this is more for me than it is for you – I don’t know all of the words that you say, but I know all of the words that I say. And God knows and weighs every word that is said by all.
I don’t know about you, but I could use some more hallelujahs in my life and a lot less of common language. What does it matter if some person thinks you sound peculiar? Forget what people think. Only use words that are pleasing to God.
Can I get a hallelujah?
Much love to you all!
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
