or עֻזָּה; feminine of עֹז; strength; Uzza or Uzzah, the name of five Israelites; Uzza, Uzzah.
Transliteration:ʻUzzâʼ
Pronunciation:ooz-zaw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word עֻזָּא (ʻUzzâʼ), Strong's `{{H5798}}`, is a proper noun derived from the root עֹז (ʻôz), `{{H5797}}`, meaning "strength," "might," or "power." While the base definition notes it as a "feminine of `{{H5797}}`," it primarily functions as a masculine personal name in the biblical text. Its inherent meaning, therefore, is "strength" or "my strength," reflecting a common practice of naming individuals after attributes or divine qualities. The name is borne by several individuals in the Old Testament, each distinct in their historical context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻUzzâʼ appears in various contexts, referring to at least five different Israelites and one geographical location:
1. **Uzza, son of Abinadab:** This is the most prominent and tragically significant occurrence. Uzza, along with his brother Ahio, was responsible for driving the cart carrying the Ark of the Covenant from Kiriath-Jearim to Jerusalem. When the oxen stumbled, Uzza reached out to steady the Ark, an act explicitly forbidden by Mosaic Law (cf. [[Numbers 4:15]]). For this transgression, "the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzza, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God" ([[2 Samuel 6:6-7]], also [[1 Chronicles 13:9-10]]). This event profoundly impacted David, causing him to halt the Ark's journey and fear the Lord.
2. **Uzza, a descendant of Ehud:** Mentioned in a genealogical list within the tribe of Benjamin, specifically among the descendants of Ehud ([[1 Chronicles 8:7]]). This occurrence provides no narrative details beyond his lineage.
3. **Uzza, a temple servant (Nethinim):** The descendants of Uzza are listed among the Nethinim, a group of temple servants who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel ([[Ezra 2:49]], [[Nehemiah 7:51]]). Their role was to assist the Levites in the temple service.
4. **Uzza, a Levite:** Listed as a son of Shimei, a Levite of the family of Merari ([[1 Chronicles 6:29]] [Hebrew 1 Chronicles 6:14]). This is another genealogical reference, indicating his position within the Levitical lineage.
5. **The Garden of Uzza:** This is a geographical location, a burial place for two Judean kings, Manasseh and Amon ([[2 Kings 21:18]], [[2 Kings 21:26]]). While not an individual, the place name likely derived from an individual named Uzza or from the quality of "strength" associated with the location. It is distinct from the personal names but shares the same lexical root.
The most impactful usage, by far, is the narrative concerning Uzza, son of Abinadab. His death serves as a stark reminder of divine holiness and the necessity of strict obedience to God's commands regarding sacred objects and divine presence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H5798}}` is its root, עֹז (ʻôz), `{{H5797}}`, which signifies "strength," "might," "power," or "fortress." This root is pervasive throughout the Old Testament, often describing God's power (e.g., [[Psalm 29:1]], [[Psalm 68:34]]) or the strength He provides to His people (e.g., [[Psalm 28:7]]).
Other related proper nouns derived from this root include:
* עֻזִּי (ʻUzzi), `{{H5799}}`: Meaning "my strength," a name borne by several Levites and others.
* עֻזִּיָּה (ʻUzziyyah) or עֻזִּיָּהוּ (ʻUzziyyahu), `{{H5818}}` / `{{H5819}}`: Meaning "my strength is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my strength," most famously the name of a king of Judah.
* עַזָּה (ʻAzzah), `{{H5794}}`: "Strong," referring to the city of Gaza.
The concepts intricately linked to the narrative of Uzza's death include:
* **Holiness (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh):** The absolute purity and separateness of God, demanding reverence and specific protocols for interaction.
* **Divine Wrath (אַף, 'aph):** God's righteous anger against sin and disobedience.
* **Obedience (שָׁמַע, shama'):** The imperative to hear and follow God's commands precisely.
* **Reverence (יִרְאָה, yir'ah):** A profound awe and respect for God's majesty.
* **The Ark of the Covenant (אֲרוֹן הַבְּרִית, 'aron habberith):** The most sacred object in Israel, representing God's presence and covenant with His people.
### Theological Significance
The narrative of Uzza's death is replete with profound theological significance, serving as a foundational lesson in divine-human interaction:
1. **God's Absolute Holiness:** The incident powerfully demonstrates God's unapproachable holiness. The Ark was not merely a symbol but a tangible representation of God's presence, governed by strict divine mandates. Uzza's well-intentioned but disobedient act violated the sanctity surrounding God's dwelling place, highlighting that God's holiness cannot be treated casually or according to human expediency.
2. **The Importance of Obedience to Divine Law:** The Law explicitly stipulated that the Ark was to be carried by the Kohathite Levites using poles, not transported on a cart (cf. [[Numbers 3:30-31]], [[Numbers 4:15]], [[Numbers 7:9]]). Uzza's action, while perhaps an attempt to prevent the Ark from falling, directly contravened God's detailed instructions. This underscores that obedience, even in seemingly minor details, is paramount when dealing with the divine. Human good intentions do not supersede divine command.
3. **The Fear of the Lord:** Uzza's death instilled a deep fear of the Lord in David and all Israel. This "fear" is not merely terror but a profound reverence and awe that acknowledges God's power, justice, and purity. It teaches that drawing near to God requires careful adherence to His prescribed ways.
4. **Divine Justice and Consequences of Disobedience:** While shocking, Uzza's immediate death is presented as a just consequence for violating a fundamental covenant stipulation. It served as a stark warning to the entire nation about the gravity of disrespecting God's commands and the severe repercussions for treating sacred things in a profane manner. This event ensured that the Ark, and by extension God's presence, would be approached with the utmost solemnity and according to His will.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עֻזָּא (ʻUzzâʼ), `{{H5798}}`, derived from the root for "strength," serves primarily as a personal name in the Old Testament. Its most significant biblical occurrence is the tragic account of Uzza, son of Abinadab, who was struck dead for touching the Ark of the Covenant ([[2 Samuel 6:6-7]]). This event underscores several critical theological truths: the absolute holiness of God, the non-negotiable importance of strict obedience to divine commands, and the necessity of approaching God with profound reverence and fear. Uzza's story remains a powerful reminder that God's ways are not always man's ways, and His sacred presence demands unwavering adherence to His revealed will.
TRV