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עֻזִּיאֵל (uz.zi.el)

uz.zi.el

Uzziel

H5816 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 14 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

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

Word Overview

The name Uzziel means "my strength is God." It appears fourteen times in the Old Testament, primarily within genealogical records in Exodus, Numbers, and Chronicles. The most prominent figure bearing this name is the fourth son of Kohath and grandson of Levi. As a brother to Amram and uncle to Moses and Aaron, he belongs to the priestly lineage responsible for handling the holy furnishings in the tabernacle.

While the Levitical Uzziel anchors the name in Israel’s worship structure, the name recurs across different tribes and eras. It appears as a Simeonite captain under King Hezekiah, a Benjaminite family head, and even among musicians and temple repairers listed in Nehemiah. This variety shows how the name was adopted by various families who wished to express reliance on divine power rather than human might.

The consistent thread linking these diverse individuals is the theological declaration embedded in their identity. By naming their sons Uzziel, parents affirmed that true strength comes from God. The name serves as a permanent reminder within the tribal records that Israel’s stability and holiness rested not on military force or political power, but on the Lord.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Uzziel carries a simple but powerful declaration: "my strength is God." In a world that often measures worth by visible power or political influence, this name serves as a quiet reminder that true stability comes from the Lord. It appears in the Old Testament not just as a label for one man, but as a recurring theme across different tribes and generations.

Whether it refers to the priestly line responsible for the tabernacle or a captain leading men in battle, the name points to reliance on divine power rather than human might. For you today, it is an encouragement that your identity and strength are rooted in God's faithfulness, not your own abilities.

This heritage invites us to trust that God sustains us through every season. His strength remains constant, offering hope and security when life feels uncertain.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Uzziel8×
  • and/ Uzziel6×

Forms in the text

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

  • עֻזִּיאֵ֑ל3×
  • וְ/עֻזִּיאֵֽל\׃2×
  • עֻזִּיאֵל֙1×
  • עֻזִּיאֵֽל\׃1×
  • עֻזִּיאֵ֤ל1×
  • עֻזִּיאֵ֖ל1×
  • עֻ֠זִּיאֵל1×
  • וְ֠/עֻזִּיאֵל1×
  • וְ/עֻזִּיאֵ֛ל1×
  • וְ/עֻזִּיאֵ֖ל1×
  • וְ/עֻזִּיאֵ֑ל1×

Key Verses

  • Exodus 6:18
    The sons of Kohath: Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel; and the years of the life of Kohath were one hundred thirty-three years.

    This verse introduces Uzziel as a son of Kohath, establishing his place in the priestly lineage that would serve in the tabernacle.

  • Leviticus 10:4
    Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said to them, “Draw near, carry your brothers from before the sanctuary out of the camp.”

    Here, Moses calls upon Elzaphan and Mishael, sons of Uzziel, to handle the bodies of Nadab and Abihu, showing the family's role in maintaining holiness.

  • I Chronicles 4:42
    Some of them, even of the sons of Simeon, five hundred men, went to Mount Seir, having for their captains Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi.

    Uzziel appears here as a captain among Simeonites, demonstrating that the name was adopted by various tribes to express reliance on God's strength.

  • Nehemiah 3:8
    Next to him, Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, goldsmiths, made repairs. Next to him, Hananiah, one of the perfumers, made repairs, and they fortified Jerusalem even to the wide wall.

    This reference shows Uzziel the goldsmith actively repairing Jerusalem's walls, illustrating how the name's meaning of divine strength applied to practical restoration work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Uzziel mean?

Uzziel means "my strength is God." It combines the Hebrew word for strength with a possessive suffix, declaring that true power comes from the Lord rather than human effort.

Who was Uzziel in the Bible?

The name appears multiple times. The most prominent figure is Uzziel, son of Kohath and grandson of Levi, who belonged to the priestly family responsible for the tabernacle's holy items. Other individuals with this name include captains, musicians, and craftsmen.

Why does the name appear in different tribes?

The name was adopted by various families across Israel, including Levi, Simeon, Benjamin, and Judah. This suggests that parents chose it to express a shared belief that God is their source of strength, regardless of their specific tribal role.

What can we learn from Uzziel's story?

The recurring use of this name reminds us that stability and holiness rest in the Lord. It encourages believers to rely on God's power in all areas of life, whether serving in worship or working in daily tasks.

Every Occurrence (14 verses across 6 books)

Exodus 2 verses
Leviticus 1 verse
Numbers 2 verses
I Chronicles 7 verses
II Chronicles 1 verse
Nehemiah 1 verse