patronymically from עֻזִּיאֵל; an Uzzielite (collectively) or descendants of Uzziel; Uzzielites.
Transliteration:ʻOzzîyʼêlîy
Pronunciation:oz-zee-ay-lee'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עׇזִּיאֵלִי (ʻOzzîyʼêlîy), Strong's H5817, is a patronymic noun derived from the proper name עֻזִּיאֵל (ʻUzzîyʼêl), Strong's `{{H5816}}`. The suffix '-î' denotes belonging or descent, thus the word literally signifies "of Uzziel" or "descendant of Uzziel." Collectively, it refers to "the Uzzielites," a specific clan within the Levitical tribe. The root name Uzziel itself carries significant meaning, typically interpreted as "My strength is God" or "God is my strength," combining the Hebrew word for strength/might (עֹז, *'oz*) and the divine name/element (*'El*). Therefore, the Uzzielites are the lineage whose very identity is tied to the concept of God as their strength.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻOzzîyʼêlîy appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in contexts detailing the organization and duties of the Levitical tribe:
1. **[[Numbers 3:27]]**: In this passage, the Uzzielites are identified as one of the four families of the Kohathites, a major division of the Levites. The verse states, "And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites." This context is crucial as it places them within the larger framework of the Levitical census and the assignment of specific responsibilities for the Tabernacle service. The Kohathites, including the Uzzielites, were uniquely tasked with carrying the most holy objects of the Tabernacle, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the menorah, and the altars, after they had been covered by the priests. This duty underscored their close proximity to the sacred and the profound responsibility entrusted to them.
2. **[[1 Chronicles 26:23]]**: Here, the Uzzielites are again mentioned in a genealogical and functional context, specifically concerning the gatekeepers and treasurers of the Temple during the time of David. The verse reads, "Of the Amramites, and of the Izharites, of the Hebronites, and of the Uzzielites." While the immediate context of this chapter focuses on gatekeepers and treasurers, this verse serves as a genealogical anchor, reaffirming their identity as a distinct family line within the Levites, descended from Uzziel. This repetition across different historical periods (wilderness wanderings in Numbers, monarchical period in Chronicles) demonstrates the enduring recognition and continuity of their lineage and their integral role in the sacred service of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ʻOzzîyʼêlîy necessitates exploring its connections to several key biblical terms and ideas:
* **עֻזִּיאֵל (ʻUzzîyʼêl) `{{H5816}}`**: This is the ancestral name from which the patronymic is derived. Uzziel was one of the four sons of Kohath, son of Levi. His name, "God is my strength," forms the theological bedrock for his descendants.
* **Kohathites**: The Uzzielites were a sub-clan of the Kohathites, who were themselves one of the three main divisions of the Levites (along with the Gershonites and Merarites). The Kohathites bore the primary responsibility for the Tabernacle's most sacred furnishings.
* **Levites**: The entire tribe of Levi, set apart by God for priestly and sanctuary service. The Uzzielites' identity is inextricably linked to this consecrated tribal role.
* **Tabernacle/Temple Service**: The primary function of the Uzzielites, as part of the Kohathites, was to serve in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. This service involved carrying sacred objects, maintaining the sanctuary, and managing its resources.
* **Patronymic**: This linguistic feature highlights the importance of lineage and ancestral identity in ancient Israel, where one's family name often defined one's role and heritage.
### Theological Significance
The existence and role of the Uzzielites carry several layers of theological significance:
1. **Divine Strength as Foundation**: The very name Uzziel, "God is my strength," imbues the Uzzielite clan with a theological identity. Their ancestral name serves as a constant reminder of the source of their ability to perform their sacred duties. It suggests that their capacity for service, particularly in handling the holy objects of God, was not inherent but derived from divine empowerment. This resonates with broader biblical themes of human weakness and God's enabling grace.
2. **Consecrated Service and Holiness**: As a Levitical family, the Uzzielites were set apart for the service of God. Their specific task of carrying the most sacred elements of the Tabernacle underscored the holiness of God and the need for purity and carefulness in His service. Their role exemplifies the principle of a consecrated life dedicated to the divine.
3. **Order and Divine Providence**: The meticulous detail with which the Uzzielites, along with other Levitical families, are enumerated and assigned duties in Numbers and Chronicles speaks to God's precise ordering of His people and their functions. This demonstrates divine providence in establishing a structured worship system, where every family had a specific, God-ordained role in the life of the community and its relationship with God.
4. **Generational Calling**: The patronymic nature of "Uzzielites" emphasizes the generational aspect of their calling. Their identity and responsibilities were passed down through the family line, illustrating the concept of an inherited covenantal role and the faithfulness of God across generations.
### Summary
The term ʻOzzîyʼêlîy (Strong's `{{H5817}}`) designates "the Uzzielites," a specific clan of the Levites, deriving their name from their ancestor Uzziel (`{{H5816}}`), meaning "God is my strength." Biblically, they are primarily known as a family within the Kohathite division of the Levites, tasked with carrying the most sacred components of the Tabernacle during Israel's wilderness wanderings, as detailed in [[Numbers 3:27]]. They are also mentioned in [[1 Chronicles 26:23]], affirming their continued identity and role in the service of the Temple. Theologically, the Uzzielites embody the principle of consecrated service, their very name pointing to God as the source of their strength for sacred duties. Their existence highlights God's meticulous order in establishing roles for His people and the generational nature of divine calling within the covenant community.
TRV