from עֹז and אֵל; strength of God; Uzziel, the name of six Israelites; Uzziel.
Transliteration:ʻUzzîyʼêl
Pronunciation:ooz-zee-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word עֻזִּיאֵל (ʻUzzîyʼêl, `{{H5816}}`) is a compound proper noun derived from two significant Hebrew roots: עֹז (ʻôz, `{{H5797}}`), meaning "strength," "might," or "power," and אֵל (ʼēl, `{{H410}}`), which refers to "God" or "mighty one." Thus, the name fundamentally signifies "strength of God" or "my strength is God." As a proper name, its semantic range is primarily fixed by this etymological meaning, serving as a theological statement embedded within the identity of the individual bearing it. It reflects a profound declaration of reliance upon or acknowledgment of divine power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻUzzîyʼêl appears in the Hebrew Bible referring to at least six distinct individuals, primarily within the Levitical lineage, underscoring its significance within the priestly and musical traditions of Israel.
1. **Son of Kohath, Grandson of Levi:** This ʻUzzîyʼêl is the most prominent figure bearing the name. He was the youngest son of Kohath and a grandson of Levi, making him an uncle of Aaron and Moses. His descendants, the Uzzielites, formed one of the four principal clans of the Kohathites, who were responsible for carrying the sacred furnishings of the tabernacle (e.g., the ark, table, lampstand, altars) during Israel's wilderness wanderings. References include [[Exodus 6:18]], [[Leviticus 10:4]], [[Numbers 3:19]], [[Numbers 3:30]], and [[1 Chronicles 6:2]] (Hebrew 5:27), [[1 Chronicles 6:18]] (Hebrew 6:3), [[1 Chronicles 15:10]]. His descendants are specifically mentioned as carrying the Ark of the Covenant in David's time ([[1 Chronicles 15:10]]).
2. **A Simeonite Leader:** ʻUzzîyʼêl is mentioned as one of the four sons of Ishi, who led a Simeonite contingent in the days of King Hezekiah, conquering the remnants of the Amalekites and settling in their territory ([[1 Chronicles 4:42]]).
3. **A Levite Musician:** Among the sons of Heman, a chief musician appointed by David, one is named ʻUzzîyʼêl. He was part of the Levitical choirs responsible for temple worship ([[1 Chronicles 25:4]]). This ʻUzzîyʼêl is also listed in [[1 Chronicles 25:18]].
4. **A Levite in Hezekiah's Time:** During King Hezekiah's reign, a Levite named ʻUzzîyʼêl, a son of Jeduthun, played a role in the purification of the temple. He and his brothers consecrated themselves and helped cleanse the house of the Lord ([[2 Chronicles 29:14]]).
5. **A Goldsmith in Nehemiah's Time:** ʻUzzîyʼêl, the son of Harhaiah, a goldsmith, was involved in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah. He repaired a section of the wall alongside Hananiah, a perfumer, indicating the diverse participation of skilled craftsmen in this vital work ([[Nehemiah 3:8]]).
Across these various contexts, the name ʻUzzîyʼêl consistently identifies individuals, many of whom are associated with service to God, whether in the tabernacle/temple, in leading their tribes, or in civic reconstruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological components of ʻUzzîyʼêl directly connect it to fundamental biblical concepts. The root עֹז (ʻôz, `{{H5797}}`) frequently appears in scripture to denote strength, might, and power, often attributed to God Himself (e.g., [[Psalm 29:1]], [[Psalm 68:34]]). It can also refer to human strength or the strength of a nation, but its most profound usage is theological. The element אֵל (ʼēl, `{{H410}}`) is a generic term for God, often used in combination with other words to form names or describe divine attributes (e.g., El Shaddai, God Almighty).
Other Hebrew names similarly combine divine attributes with "God" or "Yahweh," such as Azaziah (עֲזַזְיָה, ʻAzazyah, `{{H5812}}`, "Yahweh is strong") or Elnathan (אֶלְנָתָן, ʼElnathan, `{{H494}}`, "God has given"). The practice of embedding theological statements in personal names was common in ancient Israel, reflecting the parents' faith, prayers, or a significant event. The concept of God as the source of strength is a pervasive theme, seen in passages like [[Psalm 18:1]], "I love you, O LORD, my strength," or [[Psalm 46:1]], "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
### Theological Significance
The name ʻUzzîyʼêl, "strength of God," carries significant theological weight. It serves as a constant reminder that true strength, enduring power, and ultimate might originate not from human capacity or earthly resources, but from God alone. This theological truth is woven into the very identity of those who bore the name, particularly the Levites who served in the tabernacle and temple. Their service, often demanding and sacred, required a strength beyond their own, a strength divinely supplied.
The name underscores God's omnipotence and His active involvement in the lives of His people. It reflects a worldview where God is not a distant deity but an immanent source of power for His servants and for the fulfillment of His purposes. For a Levite like ʻUzzîyʼêl, son of Kohath, whose descendants were entrusted with the holy objects of the tabernacle, the name would have reinforced the sacredness of their task and the divine enablement necessary to perform it. Similarly, for the goldsmith ʻUzzîyʼêl who helped rebuild Jerusalem's walls, his name could have been a testament to the divine strength enabling the arduous task of restoration. The name transforms a simple designation into a confession of faith and a declaration of divine sovereignty.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עֻזִּיאֵל (ʻUzzîyʼêl, `{{H5816}}`) is a proper noun meaning "strength of God" or "my strength is God," derived from עֹז (strength) and אֵל (God). It appears in the Old Testament as the name of at least six different Israelites, most notably ʻUzzîyʼêl, the son of Kohath and grandson of Levi, whose descendants formed a significant Levitical clan responsible for sacred duties. Other individuals named ʻUzzîyʼêl include a Simeonite leader, a Levitical musician, a Levite who helped purify the temple, and a goldsmith who assisted in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. The name itself is a profound theological statement, emphasizing God as the ultimate source of power and might, reflecting the ancient Israelite practice of embedding declarations of faith within personal names. It serves as a constant reminder of divine omnipotence and the necessity of relying on God's strength for service and life.
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