עֻזִּיָּה

עֻזִּיָּה

Uzzijah, the name of five Israelites

Definition

The Hebrew name עֻזִּיָּה (Uzziah) is a proper noun meaning 'strength of Yahweh' or 'Yahweh is my strength.' It refers primarily to Uzziah, the king of Judah who reigned for 52 years (2 Chronicles 26:3). His reign is noted for military success and building projects, but also for his prideful attempt to burn incense in the temple, resulting in God striking him with leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). The name also belongs to four other minor biblical figures, including a Levite (1 Chronicles 6:24) and the father of a prophet (Zechariah 1:1).

Biblical Usage

The name appears 26 times, predominantly in the historical books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and 1 Chronicles. Its primary usage is for King Uzziah of Judah, detailing his reign, achievements, and downfall (2 Kings 15:13, 2 Chronicles 26:1-23). It is also used for other individuals in genealogical or list contexts (1 Chronicles 6:24, 1 Chronicles 27:25). The prophet Isaiah dates his vision to 'the year that King Uzziah died' (Isaiah 6:1), marking a significant historical and theological transition.

Etymology

The name derives from the Hebrew roots עֹז (ʿoz, H5797), meaning 'strength, might,' and יָהּ (Yah, H3050), a shortened form of Yahweh, the personal name of God. It is a theophoric name, literally 'strength of Yah,' expressing dependence on God's power. The longer variant עֻזִּיָּהוּ (Uzziahu) appears in some texts, incorporating the full divine name.

Semantic Range

King Uzziah's story is a profound lesson on the dangers of pride and the necessity of obedience to God's ordained roles, as his usurpation of priestly duties led to direct divine judgment. His name, 'strength of Yahweh,' contrasts ironically with his own failure to rely on God's strength, instead trusting in his personal power. His death serves as a pivotal moment in Isaiah 6, highlighting human mortality and the eternal, holy kingship of God. The name itself is a confession of faith, reminding believers that true strength is found in God alone. In ancient Israel, names were often descriptive and carried significant meaning. A name like Uzziah, invoking Yahweh's strength, was a public declaration of faith and a hope for the child's character. For a king, this name set an expectation of leadership dependent on divine power. The severe consequence of Uzziah's leprosy underscored the sacred boundary between kingly and priestly offices in Israel's covenant society, a distinction modern readers might overlook. עֻזִּיָּא (Uzzia, H5818) — A shorter, alternate form of the same name used in Ezra 10:21. עָזְרִיָּה (Azariah, H5838) — A related name meaning 'Yahweh has helped,' borne by Uzziah's alternative name (2 Kings 15:1) and others, sharing the same divine element.

Word Details