perhaps for עֻזִּיָּה; Uzzija, an Israelite; Uzzia.
Transliteration:ʻUzzîyâʼ
Pronunciation:ooz-zee-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עֻזִּיָּא (ʻUzzîyâʼ), Strong's number `{{H5814}}`, is a proper noun, a personal name. Its base definition suggests it is likely a variant or shortened form of עֻזִּיָּה (ʻUzzîyâ), `{{H5818}}`. The etymological root of both names combines עֹז (oz, `{{H5797}}`), meaning "strength," "might," or "power," with יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`), a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh. Thus, the name ʻUzzîyâʼ fundamentally conveys the meaning "Yahweh is my strength" or "My strength is Yah." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to the individuals bearing this name, but the theological profundity lies in the meaning embedded within the name itself, proclaiming God as the ultimate source of power and might.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name עֻזִּיָּא (`{{H5814}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible:
* [[1 Chronicles 6:24]]: "And the sons of Uriel; Shaul his son, Uzziah his son, and Kiriathaim his son."
In this solitary occurrence, ʻUzzîyâʼ is listed within a genealogy of the Levites, specifically in the lineage of Kohath. He is identified as the son of Uriel and the father of Shaul. This Uzziah is a relatively obscure figure, part of a priestly line, and is distinct from the more prominent King Uzziah of Judah (`{{H5818}}`) who reigned for many years. The inclusion of his name, like many others in these extensive genealogies, serves to establish lineage and continuity, underscoring the importance of tribal and family identity within ancient Israel. While his personal actions or character are not detailed, his very name carries a profound theological statement.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is עֻזִּיָּה (ʻUzzîyâ), `{{H5818}}`, which shares the identical etymological meaning and is the more common form of the name, borne by several other biblical figures, most notably King Uzziah of Judah. The shared root עֹז (`{{H5797}}`) is significant, appearing throughout the Old Testament to describe God's strength, human strength, or the strength of nations. The divine element יָהּ (`{{H3050}}`) links the name directly to the covenant God of Israel, Yahweh.
Related concepts include:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Power:** The name underscores God's omnipotence and His role as the ultimate source of all strength.
* **Reliance on God:** It implicitly speaks to the biblical theme of trusting in God's power rather than human might or worldly resources.
* **Theophoric Names:** ʻUzzîyâʼ is an example of a theophoric name, common in ancient Israel, where an element of God's name or character is incorporated, serving as a constant reminder of God's presence and attributes in the life of the individual and the community.
### Theological Significance
Though ʻUzzîyâʼ (`{{H5814}}`) is a minor figure in the biblical narrative, the theological significance of his name's meaning—"Yahweh is my strength"—is immense and pervades the entire biblical witness. This declaration resonates with numerous passages that affirm God as the sole provider of strength and salvation. For instance, the psalmist proclaims, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped" ([[Psalm 28:7]]). Similarly, Isaiah declares, "The Lord God is my strength and my song" ([[Isaiah 12:2]]). Even for a seemingly insignificant figure in a genealogy, the name serves as a theological confession, a testament to the foundational truth that human strength is fleeting, but divine strength is eternal and unfailing. It points to the truth that true might is found not in self-reliance but in humble dependence upon the Almighty. This embedded theological statement reflects a core tenet of Israelite faith and continues to inspire believers to look to God as their ultimate source of power and sustenance.
### Summary
The Hebrew name עֻזִּיָּא (`{{H5814}}`), transliterated as ʻUzzîyâʼ, is a proper noun meaning "Yahweh is my strength." It is a variant of the more common `{{H5818}}` (Uzziah/Uzzijah). Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[1 Chronicles 6:24]], identifying a Levite in a priestly genealogy. While the individual is not prominent, the name itself carries profound theological weight, affirming God as the ultimate source of power and might. It exemplifies the practice of embedding divine attributes within personal names, serving as a constant reminder of God's sovereignty and the necessity of human reliance upon Him. The name, therefore, stands as a quiet yet powerful declaration of a central biblical truth: "My strength is Yahweh."
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