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מוֹצָא (mo.tsa)

mo.tsa

Moza

H4162 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 5 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
5 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Moza appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times as a proper noun for men listed in genealogical records within 1 Chronicles. The sources identify one as a son of Caleb by his concubine Ephah, placing him in the tribe of Judah during the wilderness period (1 Chronicles 2:46). Another individual with this name is recorded as a descendant of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:36). Its rarity means it carries no independent narrative weight outside these family trees.

Etymologically, Moza derives from the root meaning "to go out" or "exit," often translated as "fountain" or "spring." This imagery connects the individual to sources of water and life. In the context of Caleb’s lineage, the name may reflect the community’s reliance on divine provision in the desert. As a Benjamite name, it links a royal descendant to this same concept of emergence or source.

Because the word functions solely as a personal identifier in Scripture, its theological significance is structural rather than doctrinal. It anchors specific individuals within the broader history of Israel’s tribes. The repetition of the name across different tribal lines suggests a common cultural naming practice rooted in natural features. Readers encounter Moza not as a character with deeds, but as a link in the chain of ancestry that preserves the identity of Judah and Benjamin.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Moza is a name found only in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, appearing as a son of Caleb and later as a descendant of King Saul. While it does not appear in narrative stories, its presence reminds us that God keeps careful track of every individual in His people. The name likely relates to a spring or source of water, evoking images of life and provision in the desert wilderness.

For your faith, this word highlights the value of ancestry and continuity. Each name listed connects you to a larger story of God’s faithfulness across generations. Even when we feel small or forgotten, Scripture shows that every person matters in God’s record. This quiet inclusion invites us to trust that our lives, too, are part of His enduring plan.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Moza3×
  • and/ Moza2×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • מוֹצָֽא\׃2×
  • וּ/מוֹצָ֖א2×
  • מוֹצָ֖א1×

Key Verses

  • I Chronicles 2:46
    Ephah, Caleb’s concubine, bore Haran, Moza, and Gazez; and Haran became the father of Gazez.

    This verse introduces Moza as a son of Caleb’s concubine Ephah, anchoring him in the tribe of Judah and showing how family lines were preserved even through secondary relationships.

  • I Chronicles 8:36
    Ahaz became the father of Jehoaddah. Jehoaddah became the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. Zimri became the father of Moza.

    Here Moza appears in Benjamin’s lineage as a descendant of Saul, linking the royal house to the broader tribal history and demonstrating the name’s use across different regions of Israel.

  • I Chronicles 9:42
    Ahaz became the father of Jarah. Jarah became the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. Zimri became the father of Moza.

    This parallel account confirms Moza’s place in the post-exilic community records, showing how ancestral lists were maintained to preserve identity after returning from Babylon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Moza mean?

Moza derives from a Hebrew root meaning 'to go out' or 'exit,' and is often associated with a fountain or spring. In biblical contexts, it likely symbolizes a source of water or life.

Where does Moza appear in the Bible?

The name appears only five times, all in 1 Chronicles (2:46; 8:36-37; 9:42-43). It is listed as a personal name in genealogical records for Judah and Benjamin.

Why is Moza important to understand?

While not a major character, Moza illustrates how Scripture preserves the names of ordinary people. These lists show God’s attention to detail and the continuity of Israel’s tribes across generations.

Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)