Hallelujah Vs Alleluia: What’s The Correct Word To Use?

We can confidently say that hallelujah is among the most common words said in Christian churches. However, is this word spelled as hallelujah or alleluia? Many people, including loyal Christians, cannot tell a lot about hallelujah vs alleluia.

Hallelujah is a religious exclamation that expresses appreciation or adoration for a higher power. Christians also define this word as a tune or cry of praise to God. Alleluia is an alternative to hallelujah. Both words were introduced into English from the same source but through different routes.

Most of us have heard of this religious chant or used it at one point. However, if you were asked to spell it, would you use hallelujah or alleluia? Find out in this article as we focus on the words’ definitions, usage, and differences.

Definitions Of Hallelujah And Alleluia

Definitions are essential when explaining the difference between words because they provide clarity about the words. They also act as a compass defining the approach you should take when differentiating the words.

Definition Of Hallelujah

Hallelujah is an exclamation often used in songs or by religious individuals to thank God. It is a general expression of thanksgiving and adoration. This word was derived from Hebrew and is used severally in the Bible.

The word’s root, “hallel,” comes from the Hebrew verb “halal,” meaning “to praise. On the other hand, its suffix, “Jah,” is a short form for “Yahweh,” which is God’s name in Hebrew. This is why some people say “halleluyah” instead of “hallelujah.” Therefore, in Hebrew, hallelujah means “praise God.”

Secondary Meanings

While this word is primarily associated with religion, it has other meanings that influence its applications. They include;

• In music, “hallelujah” is a composition expressing praise. (For example, in a sentence: Alexandra Burke sang the best rendition of hallelujah on America’s Got Talent.)
• Hallelujah is a general expression of excitement and thanksgiving. (For example: Hallelujah! The academic year is finally over, and the Christmas holidays are here.)
• Hallelujah (verb) means to cry in praise.

Definition Of Alleluia

Alleluia is a Latin word derived from the Greek transliteration of hallelujah. Therefore, English dictionaries refer to this word as a variation of hallelujah.

Alleluia comes from the 14th Century Latin word “alleluja,” coined from the Greek word “allelouia.” Many sources suggest that the Greek source of the word “alleluia” is the Hebrew word “hallelujah.”

Alleluia also has some secondary definitions with the meanings below.

• (Interjection) A liturgical chant that is often combined with scriptural verses.
• Alleluia (noun) is the other name for the plant “wood sorrel.”

How To Properly Use Hallelujah And Alleluia In A Sentence

Both hallelujah and alleluia are interjections. Therefore, when using them in sentences, you must follow them up with an exclamation mark and start the next word with a capital letter. The information below will also help.

How To Use Hallelujah

You can use this word in everyday expressions because it is an exclamation. However, when writing, you should use direct speech. (For example, Rise and say hallelujah.)

Also, use it as a noun, meaning “general praise.” For example, Joy sang hallelujah when she discovered she was not pregnant. Additionally, the word also applies in sentences as a verb, meaning “to cry in praise.”

How To Use Alleluia

Like hallelujah, alleluia is an exclamation. Therefore, you can use it in direct speech to indicate praise, excitement, or joy. For example, (Alleluia! I found the answer.)

However, you can also use this word as a noun (when it is an alternative for hallelujah) or a verb.

What’s The Correct Word To Use? Difference Based On Context

These words can be used synonymously because they have the same meaning; they also have a similar origin. In fact, “alleluia” is the Latin translation of “hallelujah.” However, there are a few differences in their applications based on the context.

When to Use Hallelujah

The word “hallelujah” is commonly used in the following contexts;

• The most popular use is in religious contexts, especially Christianity and Judaism (Jewish), to express joyous praise of God.
• You can also use this word as a random exclamation to express excitement, joy, or appreciation. (For example: Hallelujah! My package has finally arrived after a week of waiting.)

Note: There are different word forms of hallelujah that you can apply in various contexts. Here are examples;

• Hallelujahs – the plural. (In a sentence: The minister responded to our hallelujahs with a wide smile and a wave.)
• Hallelujahed – the past tense. Example: We hallelujahed as we left the building after learning that the Governor had agreed to meet with us. 
• Hallelujahs – the third-person singular simple present indicative form. (Example: The broadcaster observed that the comments from the leader were met with hallelujahs.)
• Hallelujahing – it is the present participle of hallelujah. (Example: The congregation started hallelujahing when they learned their prayers for a new building were answered.)

When To Use Alleluia

You can use alleluia in the contexts below;

• Alleluia is commonly applied in religious literature and music.
• The term also applies to traditional chants for entertainment (no affiliation with religion).

Like hallelujah, alleluia boasts various word forms you can apply in your sentence constructions. Here are some of the most common word forms of alleluia.

• Alleluias – it is the plural. (Example: Their alleluias were not in vain; they got most of what the Governor praised).
• Alleluiaed – it is the past tense. (Example: We alleluiaed our way out of the classroom when the text was canceled).
• Alleluiaing – it is the present participle (Example: The students have been alleluiaing since they heard the news from the principal).
• Alleluiaed – it is the past participle.

Most major dictionaries do not recognize the various versions of the word “alleluia.” Some do not even feature “alleluia” in their pages because they recognize “hallelujah” instead. Therefore, to be safer, do not use these words in professional contexts, like in your resume or a research paper.

Examples Of Hallelujah And Alleluia Use In Sentences

There are many ways you can use these words in sentences that are not necessarily in religious contexts. Below are ten sentence examples of ways to use these words in sentences.

Example sentences of “hallelujah”

1. The congregation stood up and shouted hallelujah when the service ended.
2. Hallelujah! The lecture has canceled the test until further notice.
3. Do not let her hallelujahs fool you; she is up to no good.
4. The reporter recorded that the cult responded to their leader in hallelujah and amen.
5. Many renditions of hallelujah exist, but Alexandra’s is the best.

Example sentences of “alleluia”

1. The traditional dancers chanted alleluia as they concluded their climactic dance.
2. Alleluia! I found the book last night and returned it to the library.
3. Alleluia is an alternative version for hallelujah.
4. Alleluia! The weekend is finally here.
5. Many Christian songs sing alleluia to God.

Differences Between Hallelujah And Alleluia

Both words are interjections used in religious contexts. However, while they seem the same, a few factors differentiate them. Here is a summary of the differences between these words:

• The origin of “hallelujah” is Hebrew, while “alleluia” is a Latin word.
• Hallelujah comes specifically from the Jewish religion, while alleluia comes from Christianity. However, they are used synonymously in both religions.

Conclusion

The words “alleluia” and “hallelujah” have been around for centuries, even though they still confuse many people. While hallelujah is the most recognized of the two, both spellings are correct and can be used synonymously in many contexts. In addition to their spelling, their only relevant difference is that hallelujah is commonly used in religious contexts, while alleluia is used in traditional chants and general expressions. Other than that, it is entirely up to you to decide which spelling sits well with you or based on what your audience is used to.