Uzziel

Uzziel is a Hebrew name borne by several minor figures in the Old Testament. Its meaning, "my power is God" or "God is my strength," derives from the Hebrew roots עֹז (ʿoz) (strength, power) and אֵל (ʾel) (God).

Biblical Reference

The most prominent Uzziel in the Bible is a Levite, the son of Kohath and grandson of Levi, making him the brother of Amram and the uncle of Aaron, Miriam, and Moses. According to the Torah (Exodus 6:18-22 and Numbers 3:19-27), Uzziel was the father of Mishael, Elzaphan, and Zithri. He is presented as the founder of the Uzzielite faction of Levites. However, the Book of Chronicles sometimes treats the Uzzielites as distinct from both Kohathites and descendants of Elzaphan, which some biblical critics consider an aetiological myth reflecting tribal affiliations among the Levites. Another Uzziel appears in 1 Chronicles 25:4 as a musician under King David during the reign of Hezekiah, and a third Uzziel is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 29:14 in connection with the Temple purification under Hezekiah.

Related Forms

In Biblical Greek, the name appears as Oziel, and in Biblical Latin as Ozihel. These variant forms reflect transliteration differences rather than distinct meanings.

Cultural Significance

Uzziel is also the name of an angel in certain Jewish and Christian mystical traditions, particularly the Kabbalistic work Sefer Raziel HaMalakh, where Uzziel is listed among the angels. Despite this, the name remains relatively rare in general usage and has not seen notable adoption beyond religious contexts.

• Meaning: "My power is God"
• Origin: Hebrew
• Type: First name (male)
• Usage Regions: English Bible, Hebrew Bible
• Related Forms: Oziel (Biblical Greek), Ozihel (Biblical Latin)