אֹ֫צֶם (o.tsem)
o.tsem
Ozem
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Ozem refers to two distinct men in the Old Testament, both belonging to the tribe of Judah. The most prominent is the eldest son of Jesse and older brother of King David, mentioned only in 1 Chronicles 2:15. A second man with this name appears later in the same chapter as a descendant of Jerahmeel.
Etymologically, the name likely means "I shall hasten them" or "my speed." While it does not appear in narrative stories or theological discourses, its presence in genealogical records highlights the importance of family lineage in Israelite history. By listing Ozem alongside David and his other siblings, the text preserves the identity of every member of Jesse’s household, even those who did not become kings or prophets.
This word serves as a reminder that biblical history includes many individuals whose names are recorded but whose personal stories remain unknown. In 1 Chronicles, Ozem is remembered simply as part of the family tree that led to David, illustrating how each generation contributes to the broader narrative of Judah.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ozem appears in the genealogies of Judah, linking two distinct men to the tribe that would produce King David. While these individuals do not feature in narrative stories or theological discourses, their inclusion in Scripture affirms the value of every person within God’s family line. The name likely means "my speed" or "I shall hasten them," suggesting a vitality that persists even in quiet records.
For your faith, this reminds us that biblical history is not solely about famous leaders but includes many whose personal stories remain unknown. By listing Ozem alongside David and his siblings, the text preserves the identity of every member of Jesse’s household. Each generation contributes to the broader narrative, showing that God values lineage and community as much as individual fame.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Ozem1×
- Ozem1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וָ/אֹ֖צֶם1×
- אֹ֚צֶם1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 2:15
Ozem the sixth, and David the seventh;
This verse places Ozem as the sixth son of Jesse, directly preceding David, highlighting his position within the royal family line despite not becoming king.
-
I Chronicles 2:25
The sons of Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron were Ram the firstborn, Bunah, Oren, Ozem, and Ahijah.
Here Ozem is listed among the sons of Jerahmeel, showing that the name appears in a different branch of Judah’s descendants and emphasizing the breadth of the tribe's heritage.