עֻזִּיָּהוּ (uz.ziy.yah)
uz.ziy.yah
Uzziah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 25 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Uzziah, meaning "my strength is Jehovah," belongs most prominently to a king of Judah who reigned for fifty-two years during the divided monarchy. He is introduced in 2 Kings 14:21 as the son of Amaziah and is also known by the name Azariah in several passages within that same chapter. His long reign is detailed extensively in 2 Chronicles 26, which records his initial success in strengthening the kingdom before his later downfall.
While the biblical narrative highlights this monarch, the name appears five times in Scripture, referring to four other distinct individuals. These include a Levite ancestor of Samuel, a priest who married outside the faith during Ezra's time, and two men associated with David’s administrative oversight. This variety shows that while the name was significant enough to bear royal weight, it remained common among various tribes and roles.
Translators often render this Hebrew name as Ozias in the New Testament genealogy found in Matthew 1:8 and 9, linking the king of Judah to the lineage of Jesus. The consistency of the name across these diverse figures suggests a enduring theological hope in divine power, even as the historical records show how human strength ultimately falls short without faithful obedience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Uzziah carries a simple but powerful meaning: "my strength is Jehovah." In the Old Testament, this title belonged to a king who began his reign with great promise, expanding Judah’s borders and building defenses. His early years show what happens when human effort aligns with divine favor. He relied on God for security, and the nation flourished under his leadership.
Yet the story of Uzziah also serves as a sobering reminder that strength does not excuse pride. When he overstepped his role by entering the temple to burn incense, he faced immediate consequences. This narrative invites us to examine where we place our trust. True stability comes not from our own power or position, but from humble obedience to God’s boundaries.
For believers today, Uzziah’s life highlights the balance between active stewardship and spiritual humility. We are called to work diligently and build wisely, just as he fortified Jerusalem. However, we must also respect the limits God sets for us. When we acknowledge that our strength is ultimately derived from Him, we avoid the trap of self-reliance and find peace in His provision.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 25 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Uzziah21×
- to/ Uzziah2×
- of/ Uzziah1×
- and/ Uzziah1×
- O Uzziah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֻזִּיָּ֔הוּ4×
- עֻזִּיָּ֣הוּ3×
- עֻזִּיָּ֜הוּ3×
- עֻזִּיָּֽהוּ\׃\ \ס1×
- עֻזִּיָּ֨הוּ1×
- עֻזִּיָּ֧הוּ1×
- עֻזִּיָּ֥ה1×
- עֻזִּיָּ֤הוּ1×
- עֻזִּיָּ֣ה1×
- עֻזִּיָּ֜ה1×
- עֻזִּיָּ֗הוּ1×
- עֻזִיָּֽה\׃1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 26:1
All the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the place of his father Amaziah.
This verse marks the beginning of Uzziah's reign, showing how the people actively recognized his legitimacy after his father's death.
-
II Chronicles 26:8
The Ammonites gave tribute to Uzziah. His name spread abroad even to the entrance of Egypt, for he grew exceedingly strong.
Here the text highlights Uzziah's peak influence, noting that his fame reached Egypt due to the strength God gave him.
-
II Chronicles 26:19
Then Uzziah was angry. He had a censer in his hand to burn incense, and while he was angry with the priests, the leprosy broke out on his forehead before the priests in Yahweh’s house, beside the altar of incense.
This moment captures the turning point where Uzziah's anger leads to leprosy, illustrating the cost of crossing spiritual boundaries.
-
Isaiah 6:1
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple.
The prophet Isaiah uses the death of Uzziah as the backdrop for his vision of God's majesty, shifting focus from earthly kings to divine sovereignty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Uzziah mean?
Why is Uzziah called Azariah in some passages?
What happened to King Uzziah?
Where does Uzziah appear in the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (25 verses across 9 books)
II Kings 4 verses
Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the thirty-ninth year of Uzziah king of Judah, and he reigned for a month…
II Kings 15:30Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, attacked him, killed him, and reigned in…
II Kings 15:32In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel, Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah began to reign.
II Kings 15:34He did that which was right in Yahweh’s eyes. He did according to all that his father Uzziah had done.