Original Word: אוּרִי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Uwriy
Pronunciation: oo-REE
Phonetic Spelling: (oo-ree')
KJV: Uri
NASB: Uri
Word Origin: [from H217 (אוּר - fire)]

1. fiery
2. Uri, the name of three Israelites

Uri

From 'uwr; fiery; Uri, the name of three Israelites -- Uri.

see HEBREW 'uwr

Word Origin
from or
Definition
"fiery," three Isr.
NASB Translation
Uri (8).

אוּרִי proper name, masculine (fiery, or contracted for אוּרִיָּה)

1 prince of Judah Exodus 31:2; Exodus 35:30; Exodus 38:22; 1 Chronicles 2:20; 2Chronicles 1:5;

2 a porter Ezra 10:24;

3 father of an officer of Solomon 1 Kings 4:19.

Occurrences and Context

Strong’s Hebrew 221, Uri, appears eight times across the Old Testament (Exodus 31:2; Exodus 35:30; Exodus 38:22; 1 Kings 4:19; 1 Chronicles 2:20; 2 Chronicles 1:5; Ezra 10:24, plus the genealogical reference repeated in 1 Chronicles 2:20). It is always a personal name and is borne by three distinct individuals:

1. Uri son of Hur, father of Bezalel of the tribe of Judah.
2. Uri, father of Geber, one of Solomon’s district governors.
3. Uri, a gatekeeper (porter) among the post-exilic community who was convicted for intermarriage.

Genealogical Setting

The first Uri is introduced inside Judah’s royal line. “Hur fathered Uri, and Uri fathered Bezalel” (1 Chronicles 2:20). This placement links Uri to Bethlehem’s leading family, the same clan later connected with David and ultimately the Messiah (Ruth 4:18-22; Matthew 1:5-6). His presence in Judah’s genealogy underscores the Messiah’s lineage passing through artisans as well as kings.

Role in the Construction of the Tabernacle

The name surfaces most prominently with Bezalel’s divine commission: “See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah” (Exodus 31:2; cf. Exodus 35:30; Exodus 38:22). Although Scripture supplies no direct speech from Uri, his significance lies in the godly heritage he provided. The Spirit-filled craftsmanship of Bezalel reflects parental nurture that valued covenant worship. The bronze altar Bezalel forged is later mentioned generations afterward: “Now the bronze altar that Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, had made, was before the tabernacle of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 1:5). Uri’s family legacy thus remained central to Israel’s sacrificial life through the united monarchy.

Administrative Service under Solomon

A second Uri appears in the days of Solomon: “Geber son of Uri—in the land of Gilead…; he was the only governor in that region” (1 Kings 4:19). Here Uri represents the settlers west of the Jordan whose sons served the king’s administrative network. While Solomon’s district system ensured steady provisions for the court, it also fostered unity across tribal borders. Uri’s household evidently embraced this national task, supporting a period of unparalleled peace and prosperity.

Call to Holiness after the Exile

In Ezra’s reform, a porter named Uri is listed among those who “had married foreign women” (Ezra 10:24). The gatekeepers guarded worship space, yet one of them had compromised covenant separation. Responding to Ezra’s call, he joined the collective repentance that protected the fledgling community from renewed judgment. Uri’s inclusion teaches that even those nearest holy things must watch their hearts (1 Corinthians 10:12).

Theological and Devotional Insights

Light is the prevailing motif behind the name Uri (“my light”). In each appearance the bearer stands near pivotal expressions of divine illumination:
• The tabernacle where God’s glory would dwell.
• Solomon’s administration that spread wisdom and order.
• Post-exilic reforms aiming to keep Israel a light to the nations.

Thus the various Uris collectively picture believers called to reflect God’s light in artistry, governance, and personal holiness.

Practical Application for the Church Today

1. Godly heritage matters. Uri’s quiet fatherhood produced a Spirit-filled craftsman whose work endured for centuries. Parents and mentors shape future servants they may never meet.
2. Secular service is sacred when rendered to the King. The second Uri’s son administered frontier territories; modern believers likewise honor Christ through competent civic duty (Romans 13:1-7).
3. Proximity to worship does not guarantee purity. The porter Uri reminds leaders and volunteers alike to guard against subtle compromise and to embrace repentance when necessary.

Key References

Exodus 31:2; Exodus 35:30; Exodus 38:22; 1 Kings 4:19; 1 Chronicles 2:20; 2 Chronicles 1:5; Ezra 10:24

אֻרִ֖י אוּרִ֔י אוּרִ֣י אוּרִ֥י אורי ארי וְאוּרִ֖י וְאוּרִֽי׃ ואורי ואורי׃ ’u·rî ’ū·rî ’urî ’ūrî uRi veuRi wə’ūrî wə·’ū·rîInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts