אוּרִיָּה (u.riy.yah)
u.riy.yah
Uriah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 33 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Uriah, meaning "Yahweh is my light" or "flame of God," appears in Scripture referring to several distinct individuals across different eras. The most prominent figure is the Hittite soldier and husband of Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11. His story highlights a stark contrast between his loyalty to King David and David’s betrayal, as Uriah refuses to enjoy domestic comfort while his fellow soldiers remain in battle (2 Samuel 11:11). This narrative underscores the gravity of the sin committed against him.
Other bearers of this name include a priest under King Ahaz who erected an idolatrous altar (2 Kings 16:10), a prophet slain by Jehoiakim for his faithful warnings (Jeremiah 26:20), and post-exilic leaders involved in rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls (Ezra 8:33; Nehemiah 8:4). While the name itself signifies divine illumination, the biblical record shows these men serving as witnesses to both faithfulness and conflict within Israel’s history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Uriah means "Yahweh is my light." This title for God reminds us that His presence brings clarity and safety even when circumstances are dark. In the Bible, several men carry this name, each offering a different glimpse into how people relate to God’s guidance.
One of the most striking stories involves Uriah the Hittite, a soldier in King David’s army. Despite being an outsider by birth, he showed deep loyalty to his comrades and their mission. When King David tried to trick him into going home to his wife, Uriah refused, saying he would not enjoy comfort while others remained in battle (2 Samuel 11:11). His integrity stood out sharply against the king’s deceit.
When we face difficult choices or feel pressured to compromise our values, Uriah’s example encourages us. We may not always see immediate justice, but living with honesty and faithfulness honors God. His story shows that true light comes from standing firm in what is right, trusting that God sees our hearts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 33 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Uriah37×
- to/ Uriah1×
- and/ Uriah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אוּרִיָּ֥ה6×
- אוּרִיָּ֣ה6×
- אֽוּרִיָּה֙4×
- אוּרִיָּ֗ה3×
- אוּרִיָּ֛ה2×
- אוּרִיָּ֖ה2×
- אֽוּרִיָּ֖ה2×
- לְ/א֣וּרִיָּ֔ה1×
- וְ/אוּרִיָּ֧ה1×
- אוּרִיָּה֙1×
- אוּרִיָּֽה\׃1×
- אוּרִיָּ֨ה1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 11:11
Uriah said to David, “The ark, Israel, and Judah, are staying in tents; and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are encamped in the open field. Shall I then go into my house to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing!”
This verse captures Uriah’s refusal to return home, highlighting his loyalty to the army over personal comfort.
-
II Kings 16:10
King Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath Pileser king of Assyria, and saw the altar that was at Damascus; and King Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest a drawing of the altar and plans to build it.
Here a different Uriah, a priest, builds an idolatrous altar under King Ahaz, showing how the name appears in contexts of religious compromise.
-
I Chronicles 11:41
Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai,
This brief mention lists Uriah among David’s mighty men, confirming his role as a trusted warrior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Uriah mean?
How many different people named Uriah are in the Bible?
Why is Uriah the Hittite remembered in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (33 verses across 8 books)
II Samuel 19 verses
David sent and inquired after the woman. One said, “Isn’t this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, Uriah the Hittite’s…
II Samuel 11:6David sent to Joab, “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” Joab sent Uriah to David.
II Samuel 11:7When Uriah had come to him, David asked him how Joab did, and how the people fared, and how the war prospered.
II Samuel 11:8David said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” Uriah departed out of the king’s house, and a gift…
II Samuel 11:9But Uriah slept at the door of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and didn’t go down to his house.
II Samuel 11:10When they had told David, saying, “Uriah didn’t go down to his house,” David said to Uriah, “Haven’t you come from a…
II Samuel 11:11Uriah said to David, “The ark, Israel, and Judah, are staying in tents; and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord…
II Samuel 11:12David said to Uriah, “Stay here today also, and tomorrow I will let you depart.” So Uriah stayed in Jerusalem that day…
II Samuel 11:14In the morning, David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by the hand of Uriah.
II Samuel 11:15He wrote in the letter, saying, “Send Uriah to the forefront of the hottest battle, and retreat from him, that he may…
II Samuel 11:16When Joab kept watch on the city, he assigned Uriah to the place where he knew that valiant men were.
II Samuel 11:17The men of the city went out and fought with Joab. Some of the people fell, even of David’s servants; and Uriah the…
II Samuel 11:21Who struck Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? Didn’t a woman cast an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he…
II Samuel 11:24The shooters shot at your servants from off the wall; and some of the king’s servants are dead, and your servant Uriah…
II Samuel 11:26When Uriah’s wife heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband.
II Samuel 12:9Why have you despised Yahweh’s word, to do that which is evil in his sight? You have struck Uriah the Hittite with the…
II Samuel 12:10Now therefore the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken Uriah the…
II Samuel 12:15Then Nathan departed to his house. Yahweh struck the child that Uriah’s wife bore to David, and he was very sick.
II Samuel 23:39and Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all.