עֻזִּי (uz.zi)
uz.zi
Uzzi
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Uzzi, meaning "my strength," appears eight times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the genealogical records of Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. It is not a title for God or a common noun describing power, but a personal identifier attached to specific individuals who served in religious or tribal capacities during the periods of the monarchy and the post-exilic restoration.
Lexical data identifies several distinct bearers of this name. One was a Levite in the line of the high priest, son of Bukki and father of Zerahiah (1 Chronicles 6:5). Others include a descendant of Issachar, a Benjamite head of family, and priests who assisted Ezra with the dedication of Jerusalem’s wall or served under High Priest Joiakim. While they share a name rooted in strength, the texts present them as distinct figures within Israel’s tribal and priestly structures.
The recurrence of Uzzi highlights how personal names reflected theological values even for those not holding the highest offices. These men are remembered not for individual deeds, but for their lineage and service roles. The name serves as a marker of identity within the restored community, linking individuals to their ancestral tribes and their duty in maintaining worship after the exile.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Uzzi means "my strength," a simple but powerful declaration of faith embedded in personal identity. In the biblical record, this name appears not for kings or prophets, but for ordinary men listed in genealogies and service roles. These individuals were part of the tribes of Israel, the priesthood, or the Levitical choir, contributing to the community’s stability after the exile.
For believers today, these names remind us that God values faithful presence as much as public prominence. Whether serving in a family line, assisting with temple duties, or leading music, each person played a part in preserving worship and identity. Their strength was not in grand achievements but in loyalty to their calling and community.
When we read these lists, we are invited to see ourselves in them. God knows our names, our roles, and our contributions, even when they seem small. There is comfort in knowing that our service, however quiet, is seen and remembered by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Uzzi5×
- and/ Uzzi2×
- [was] Uzzi1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֻזִּ֖י3×
- עֻזִּֽי\׃1×
- עֻזִּ֤י1×
- עֻזִּ֡י1×
- וְ/עֻזִּ֡י1×
- וְ/עֻזִּ֛י1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 7:2
The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their fathers’ houses, of Tola; mighty men of valor in their generations. Their number in the days of David was twenty-two thousand six hundred.
This verse identifies Uzzi as a head of house among the tribe of Tola, showing that strength in leadership was recognized within tribal structures during David's time.
-
Ezra 7:4
the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,
Here Uzzi appears in the priestly lineage of Ezra, linking him to the high priestly line through Bukki and highlighting the importance of ancestral continuity in post-exilic worship.
-
Nehemiah 11:22
The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mica, of the sons of Asaph, the singers responsible for the service of God’s house.
This occurrence marks Uzzi as an overseer of Levites in Jerusalem, illustrating how individuals with this name actively maintained religious order and musical worship in the restored community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Uzzi mean?
Is Uzzi a title for God?
How many times does Uzzi appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 3 books)
I Chronicles 4 verses
The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their fathers’ houses, of Tola; mighty…
I Chronicles 7:3The son of Uzzi: Izrahiah. The sons of Izrahiah: Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Isshiah, five; all of them chief men.
I Chronicles 7:7The sons of Bela: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri, five; heads of fathers’ houses, mighty men of valor; and they…
I Chronicles 9:8and Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, and Elah the son of Uzzi, the son of Michri; and Meshullam the son of Shephatiah, the…