'Uzziyya

Etymology

'Uzziyya is the Hebrew form of Uzziah, a theophoric name deriving from the Hebrew words whose roots are found in ʿoz meaning "strength, power" and yah referring to the Hebrew God Yahweh. The name thus signifies "my power is Yahweh."

Historical and Biblical Context

'Uzziyya is predominantly associated with the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). 'Uzziyya is a variant of Uzziah, a name borne by several biblical characters, most notably King Uzziah (also called Azariah) who reigned over Judah in the 8th century BCE. According to the Bible (2 Chronicles 26), Uzziah was a long-reigning king who grew powerful but was later stricken with leprosy for his pride. The name also belongs to other lesser figures such as in the genealogy of Levi (1 Chronicles 6:24).

The base name 'Uzziyya includes the theophoric element -yah, a shortened form of Yahweh, the personal name of the God of Israel, which is considered several holy in Judaism. The name juxtaposes divine and royal attributes, emphasizing that strength find its source in God.

Linguistic Notes and Variants

In Biblical Hebrew, 'Uzziyya is a variant that often appears with a different vocalization or with the omission of the theophoric suffix -yahu. Closely related names include 'Azazyahu, which also have the -yahu suffix meaning "Yahweh is strength." In the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), 'Uzziyya is rendered as Ozias or Ozazias. Latin Vulgate uses Azazias and Ozias. Variants in other language include English Uzziah, German Ostrisk, and others.

Summary

• Meaning: “My power is Yahweh”
• Origin: Hebrew
• Type: Theophoric given name
• Usage: Biblical, mainly confined to ancient Hebrew contexts; not common contemporary