Amaziah

Amaziah is a masculine biblical name of Hebrew origin, meaning "Yahweh strengthens." It derives from the Hebrew elements ʾamets ("to strengthen") and yah (a shortened form of Yahweh, the Hebrew God). This theophoric name appears several times in the Old Testament, most notably as the name of a king of Judah.

Etymology

The name is formed from the verbal root ʾamets, meaning "to be strong" or "to strengthen," combined with the divine name Yah. Thus, Amaziah conveys the sense that Yahweh is the source of strength or that he strengthens his people. The biblical Hebrew form is ʾAmatzyahu (אֲמַצְיָהוּ), which was later shortened to ʾAmatzyah (אֲמַצְיָה) in some contexts.

Biblical Bearers

Amaziah of Judah reigned from approximately 796 to 767 BCE. He succeeded his father Joash and is described in 2 Kings 14 and 2 Chronicles 25. According to the biblical account, he started well, obeying the law of Moses, but later fell into idolatry and worshiped the gods of Edomea after a military victory. His reign ended in defeat and eventually assassination. The Book of Amos also mentions a priest named Amaziah at the sanctuary of Bethel, who opposed the prophet Amos (Amos 7:10-17). Additionally, a Levite named Amaziah appears in 1 Chronicles 6:45, and the father of a Simeonite leader named Joshah in 1 Chronicles 4:34.

Cultural and Religious Significance

As a name found in the Old Testament, Amaziah has been used primarily within Jewish and Christian communities. Its meaning—"Yahweh strengthens"—reflects the common biblical theme of divine empowerment. The name appears in the Latin Vulgate as Amasias and in the Douay-Rheims translation as Amasias. It is relatively rare in modern usage but continues to be used occasionally in religious families.

• Meaning: "Yahweh strengthens"
• Origin: Hebrew
• Type: Biblical (First name)
• Usage: English Bible
• Related forms: Biblical Hebrew: 'Amatzyahu