אוּרִי (u.ri)
u.ri
Uri
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Uri means "My Light" or "Fiery One," appearing seven times in the Hebrew Bible. It is most prominently associated with the artisan chosen by God to craft the tabernacle and its sacred vessels, as recorded in Exodus 31:2. In this context, Uri is identified as the son of Hur and a member of the tribe of Judah.
While the biblical narrative focuses on his son Bezalel’s divine gifting, Uri’s name carries significant weight. The meaning "light" or "fire" resonates with the themes of divine glory and presence that characterized the tabernacle construction. Beyond this primary figure, the name appears in genealogical lists for other individuals, including an officer under Solomon and a gatekeeper during Ezra’s time, showing its use across different periods of Israelite history.
Translators typically leave the name as Uri, preserving its original Hebrew sound rather than translating it. This choice maintains the connection to the individual’s identity within the text. The recurrence of such names in Chronicles and Exodus highlights the importance of lineage and specific roles in the community’s religious life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Uri carries the meaning of light or fire, a concept that resonates deeply with divine presence. In Exodus, we see this name attached to the father of Bezalel, the artisan chosen by God to craft the sacred tabernacle. This connection suggests that our own gifts and roles are part of a larger design, where ordinary lineage leads to extraordinary service.
When we encounter such names in Scripture, they remind us that God uses specific individuals across generations. Whether it is an officer under Solomon or a gatekeeper in Ezra’s time, these people played distinct parts in Israel’s history. Their stories encourage us to see our daily tasks as meaningful contributions to God’s work.
Light and fire often symbolise guidance and purity in the Bible. By remembering Uri, we are invited to reflect on how our own lives might shine with purpose. It is a gentle reminder that every name and every role matters in the eyes of God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Uri6×
- and/ Uri2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אוּרִ֥י3×
- וְ/אוּרִֽי\׃\ \ס1×
- וְ/אוּרִ֖י1×
- אוּרִ֣י1×
- אוּרִ֔י1×
- אֻרִ֖י1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 31:2
“Behold, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.
This verse introduces Uri as the father of Bezalel, establishing the family line chosen for the sacred task of building the tabernacle.
-
I Chronicles 2:20
Hur became the father of Uri, and Uri became the father of Bezalel.
Here the genealogy clarifies the lineage from Hur to Uri and finally to Bezalel, highlighting the importance of heritage in biblical records.
-
Ezra 10:24
Of the singers: Eliashib. Of the gatekeepers: Shallum, Telem, and Uri.
Uri appears here as a gatekeeper, showing that the name was used by faithful servants in later periods of Israel's restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Uri mean?
Who is the most famous Uri in the Bible?
Why does Uri appear in different books?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 5 books)
Exodus 3 verses
“Behold, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.
Exodus 35:30Moses said to the children of Israel, “Behold, Yahweh has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the…
Exodus 38:22Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that Yahweh commanded Moses.