### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻUzzâʼ**, represented by `{{H5798}}`, is a feminine form of a word for **strength**. It appears **14 times** across **14 unique verses** and is used as the name for five different Israelites in scripture. While its root means strength, the name is most famously associated with a narrative that demonstrates the consequences of human error in the presence of divine holiness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical history, the name `{{H5798}}` is most prominent in the account of the transportation of the Ark of God. **Uzzah** `{{H5798}}`, a son of Abinadab `{{H41}}`, was driving the **new** `{{H2319}}` **cart** `{{H5699}}` on which the **ark** `{{H727}}` was placed ([[2 Samuel 6:3]], [[1 Chronicles 13:7]]). When the **oxen** `{{H1241}}` stumbled, **Uzzah** `{{H5798}}` put his **hand** `{{H3027}}` on the **ark** `{{H727}}` to steady it ([[2 Samuel 6:6]], [[1 Chronicles 13:9]]). For this act, the **anger** `{{H639}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` was **kindled** `{{H2734}}` against him, and **God** `{{H430}}` **smote** `{{H5221}}` him for his **error** `{{H7944}}`, causing him to **die** `{{H4191}}` there [[2 Samuel 6:7]]. The name is also associated with a burial location, "the **garden** `{{H1588}}` of **Uzza** `{{H5798}}`," where King **Manasseh** `{{H4519}}` and his son **Amon** `{{H526}}` were **buried** `{{H6912}}` ([[2 Kings 21:18]], [[2 Kings 21:26]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are crucial for understanding the contexts in which **ʻUzzâʼ** `{{H5798}}` appears:
* `{{H727}}` **ʼârôwn** (ark): This is the sacred object at the center of the primary narrative involving Uzzah. His fatal mistake was touching the **ark** `{{H727}}` of God [[2 Samuel 6:7]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (smite): This word describes the divine judgment enacted upon Uzzah. The text states that God **smote** `{{H5221}}` him for his action [[1 Chronicles 13:10]].
* `{{H6556}}` **perets** (breach): This term is used to describe the LORD's action against Uzzah. The place was named **Perezuzzah** `{{H6560}}`, combining **perets** `{{H6556}}` with Uzzah's name, to commemorate the **breach** `{{H6556}}` the LORD had made [[2 Samuel 6:8]].
* `{{H41}}` **ʼĂbîynâdâb** (Abinadab): This is the name of Uzzah's **father** `{{H1}}`. The ark was being transported from the **house** `{{H1004}}` of **Abinadab** `{{H41}}` when the incident occurred [[1 Chronicles 13:7]].
### Theological Significance
The story of **Uzzah** `{{H5798}}` carries significant thematic weight concerning the nature of God and humanity's relationship with Him.
* **Divine Holiness:** The death of Uzzah serves as a stark reminder of the holiness of God and the reverence required for objects consecrated to Him, like the **ark** `{{H727}}`. Uzzah died specifically "by the **ark** `{{H727}}` of **God** `{{H430}}`" [[2 Samuel 6:7]].
* **Consequences of Error:** Uzzah was struck down for his **error** `{{H7944}}`, even though his action might have seemed intended to protect the ark [[2 Samuel 6:7]]. This illustrates that divine commands are not to be transgressed, regardless of motive.
* **The Wrath of God:** The narrative explicitly states that "the **anger** `{{H639}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` was **kindled** `{{H2734}}` against Uzzah" ([[2 Samuel 6:7]], [[1 Chronicles 13:10]]), showing a direct divine response to the violation.
* **A Memorial of Judgment:** The event was memorialized by the naming of the **place** `{{H4725}}` **Perezuzzah** `{{H6560}}`, meaning "breach of Uzzah," which served as a lasting testimony "to this **day** `{{H3117}}`" [[1 Chronicles 13:11]].
### Summary
In summary, while the name **ʻUzzâʼ** `{{H5798}}` is derived from a word for "strength," its primary biblical role is not one of power but of solemn warning. The account of Uzzah's death is a foundational story illustrating the immense holiness of God and the severe consequences of approaching Him with unsanctioned familiarity. Beyond this pivotal event, the name also marks a royal burial ground and appears in several significant Israelite genealogies.
TRV