### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek name Ὀζίας (Ozías, `{{G3604}}`) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name עֻזִּיָּה (Uzziah, `{{H5818}}`). The Hebrew name is a theophoric compound, derived from two elements: עֹז (oz, `{{H5797}}`), meaning "strength" or "might," and יָהּ (yah, `{{H3050}}`), a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh. Therefore, the name "Ozias" inherently carries the profound meaning "My Strength is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my Strength." As a proper noun, its semantic range is specific to the individual it identifies, but its etymological root provides a theological statement about the source of true power and might.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Ozias (Ὀζίας) occurs twice in the New Testament, exclusively within the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew:
* [[Matthew 1:8]]: "Joram begot Ozias."
* [[Matthew 1:9]]: "Ozias begot Joatham."
These occurrences position Ozias as a direct ancestor in the royal line leading to the Messiah. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew equivalent, Uzziah (עֻזִּיָּה), is a significant figure, reigning as king of Judah for 52 years (c. 792-740 BC). His reign is extensively documented in [[2 Kings 15:1-7]] and [[2 Chronicles 26:1-23]]. Initially, Uzziah was a righteous and successful king, guided by the prophet Zechariah, and he achieved military victories, strengthened Jerusalem's defenses, and promoted agricultural development. However, his reign ended tragically. Filled with pride, he presumptuously entered the temple to burn incense, an act reserved solely for the priests. For this transgression, God afflicted him with leprosy, which isolated him until his death ([[2 Chronicles 26:16-21]]). His son Jotham co-reigned and then succeeded him. In the New Testament, the mention of Ozias serves primarily as a genealogical link, affirming the historical continuity of the Davidic line leading to Jesus, without delving into the details of his complex reign.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Equivalent:** The direct Hebrew source of Ozias is Uzziah (עֻזִּיָּה, `{{H5818}}`).
* **Root Elements:** The name is built upon oz (עֹז, `{{H5797}}`), signifying "strength" or "might," and yah (יָהּ, `{{H3050}}`), the divine element. This connection highlights a reliance on or declaration concerning God's power.
* **Theophoric Names:** Ozias belongs to a class of biblical names that incorporate divine elements, such as Isaiah ("Yahweh is salvation"), Jeremiah ("Yahweh exalts"), and Hezekiah ("Yahweh strengthens"). These names often carry a prophetic or theological declaration.
* **Genealogy:** The primary context for Ozias in the NT is within the genealogical records ([[Matthew 1:1-17]]), connecting him to other kings and patriarchs in the lineage of Abraham and David, such as Joram and Joatham.
* **Kingship:** As a king of Judah, Ozias is intrinsically linked to the institution of the Israelite monarchy, the Davidic covenant (promising an eternal dynasty), and the broader expectation of a Messiah from David's royal line.
* **Pride and Divine Judgment:** The Old Testament narrative of Uzziah's downfall due to pride and subsequent leprosy connects him to theological themes of human presumption, the sanctity of sacred space, and divine judgment against disobedience.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of Ozias (Uzziah) in Matthew's genealogy carries several theological implications. First, it underscores **God's faithful preservation of the Davidic covenant**. Despite the moral failings of some kings, God meticulously maintained the lineage through which the Messiah would come, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His promises. Second, the very meaning of the name, "Yahweh is my Strength," serves as a poignant theological statement. While Uzziah himself tragically demonstrated the danger of relying on human strength and pride rather than divine strength, the name itself continually points to the true source of power. It implicitly foreshadows the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies reliance on God's strength and fulfills His divine will. Third, Uzziah's story, particularly his presumptuous act in the temple and subsequent leprosy, provides a stark contrast that highlights the **unique and perfect priesthood of Jesus Christ**. Uzziah, a king, was judged for usurping priestly duties; Christ, by contrast, is both King and High Priest (cf. [[Hebrews 7:1-28]]), appointed by God to offer the perfect sacrifice and intercede for humanity without blemish or presumption. Finally, Ozias's presence in the genealogy affirms the **divine sovereignty over human history**, illustrating how God works through imperfect human agents and their complex lives to achieve His ultimate redemptive purposes.
### Summary
Ozias (Ὀζίας, `{{G3604}}`) is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Uzziah (עֻזִּיָּה, `{{H5818}}`), meaning "Yahweh is my Strength." In the New Testament, his name appears exclusively in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus ([[Matthew 1:8-9]]), confirming his place in the royal lineage leading to the Messiah. The Old Testament details Uzziah's long and initially prosperous reign as king of Judah, marked by military success and national strengthening. However, his reign ended in tragedy when his pride led him to presumptuously usurp priestly duties in the temple, resulting in him being afflicted with leprosy until his death ([[2 Chronicles 26]]). The theological significance of Ozias lies in his role as a link in the divinely preserved Davidic line, affirming God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. His name's meaning points to the true source of strength, while his personal history serves as a stark reminder of human fallibility and the consequences of pride, contrasting with the perfect King and High Priest, Jesus Christ.
TRV