Osee is the Latin form of Hoshea (and Hosea), used in the Latin Bible (the Vulgate). The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew Hosheaʿ, meaning "salvation," from the root yashaʿ meaning "to save." In the Old Testament (Numbers 13:16), Moses gives the spy Hoshea the new name Yehoshuaʿ (see Joshua), which shares a related origin. Etymology and Biblical Context In the Hebrew Bible, Hoshea (also known as Hosea or Osee) was an 8th-century BC prophet in the northern kingdom of Israel, son of Beeri. He is the first of the Twelve Minor Prophets and the author of the Book of Hosea. His name, meaning "salvation," reflects his prophetic message that, despite impending doom due to Israel's unfaithfulness, restoration and salvation would eventually come. The Talmud considers him the greatest prophet of his generation. Osee appears as the name of the prophet in Latin versions of the Bible, as well as in some English translations (e.g., the Douay-Rheims Bible). Usage in Latin Bible The Latin form Osee was used consistently in the Vulgate for the prophet Hosea. This usage extends also to the name of the last king of Israel, Hoshea, who reigned before the Assyrian conquest and whose name is rendered as Osee in the Vulgate (2 Kings 15:30). The similarity between the king's name and the prophet's name—both deriving from Hoshea—reflects the common Hebrew root. Related Forms and Variants Related forms include the Greek Hosee, the Spanish Oseas, and the Portuguese Oseias. The Biblical English form is usually Hosea, with Oshea appearing in some older translations. All are ultimately from the same Semitic root signifying salvation. Meaning: "Salvation" Origin: Hebrew, via Latin translation of the Bible Type: Biblical (prophet; also a king of Israel) Usage: Latin Bible (Vulgate); also appears in English Catholic Bibles