אוּרִיאֵל
Uriel, the name of two Israelites
Definition
Uriel is a Hebrew proper name meaning 'flame of God' or 'God is my light.' In the Old Testament, it refers to two distinct individuals. The first is Uriel of the Kohathite clan, a Levite involved in the sacred duties of the Tabernacle and Temple during the reigns of David and Solomon (1 Chronicles 6:24, 15:5, 15:11). The second is Uriel of Gibeah, the father of Maakah, who was the wife of King Rehoboam and mother of King Abijah (2 Chronicles 13:2). The name signifies divine illumination or fiery presence.
Biblical Usage
The name Uriel appears exclusively in the books of Chronicles, specifically in 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles. In 1 Chronicles 6:24 and 15:5, 11, it identifies a Levite from the Kohathite line, associated with the musical and transport duties for the Ark of the Covenant. In 2 Chronicles 13:2, it identifies the father of Queen Maakah, linking him to the royal lineage of Judah. All uses are as a personal name without narrative development.
Etymology
Derived from the Hebrew roots אוּר (ʼÛwr, H217), meaning 'light' or 'flame,' and אֵל (ʼÊl, H410), meaning 'God.' The name is a compound theophoric name, common in Hebrew, which attributes a characteristic or action to God. It directly translates to 'flame of God' or 'God is my light,' emphasizing God as a source of illumination, guidance, or purifying fire.
Semantic Range
While Uriel itself is not a major theological figure, the name's meaning—'flame of God'—connects to significant biblical themes. It echoes God's manifestation as light (Psalm 27:1) and fire (Exodus 3:2, Deuteronomy 4:24), symbols of His presence, holiness, guidance, and judgment. Understanding the name enriches the perception of individuals bearing it, subtly pointing to God's illuminating and purifying character in Israel's worship and monarchy.
As a theophoric name (containing 'El' for God), Uriel reflects the common Israelite practice of naming children to express faith or attribute praise to God. It aligns with names like Daniel ('God is my judge') and Nathaniel ('gift of God'). The association of a Levite and a royal grandfather with this name highlights its use across different social strata in Judah, from priestly to royal circles.
Uri (ʼÛwrîy, H221) — A shorter form meaning 'my flame' or 'my light,' also a personal name. Nathaniel (Nəthânʼēl, H5417) — Meaning 'God has given,' another theophoric name using 'El.'
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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