עוּתַי (u.tay)
u.tay
Uthai
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 Uthai, rendered from the Hebrew word עוּתַי, carries the meaning "helpful" or "one who brings aid." It appears in the biblical record as a personal name for two distinct men within the tribe of Judah during the era of the Babylonian Exile and the subsequent return to Jerusalem.
The first Uthai is listed in 1 Chronicles 9:4 as the son of Ammihud and a descendant of Pharez, tracing his lineage back to the patriarch Judah. The second Uthai appears in Ezra 8:14 as one of the sons of Bigvai who returned from exile with the second caravan led by Ezra. In both instances, the name serves to identify specific individuals within the broader genealogies of the restored community.
While the semantic root suggests a quality of assistance, the biblical text uses the name primarily for identification rather than character description. Its rarity, occurring only twice, highlights the meticulous recording of family lines that was essential for establishing tribal inheritance and priestly roles in the post-exilic period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Uthai means "helpful" or "one who brings aid." In Scripture, names often carry deep meaning about a person's character or destiny. Though this name appears only twice in the Bible, it reminds us that God values those who support His people and advance His purposes.
Uthai is mentioned in 1 Chronicles as part of Judah’s lineage, showing how God keeps careful records of families even during difficult times like the exile. Later, another Uthai returns from Babylon with Ezra, ready to help rebuild Jerusalem. These men may not be famous heroes, but their willingness to serve was important to God.
When we feel small or unnoticed in our service, we can take comfort knowing that God sees and remembers every act of kindness and faithfulness. Your quiet acts of support matter greatly to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Uthai2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עוּתַ֨י1×
- עוּתַ֣י1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 9:4
Uthai the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, of the children of Perez the son of Judah.
This verse places Uthai in the genealogy of Judah, showing how God preserves family lines even during exile.
-
Ezra 8:14
Of the sons of Bigvai, Uthai and Zabbud; and with them seventy males.
Here Uthai is listed among those returning from Babylon to help rebuild Jerusalem under Ezra’s leadership.