Original Word: עֻזִּי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: `Uzziy
Pronunciation: oo-ZEE
Phonetic Spelling: (ooz-zee')
KJV: Uzzi
NASB: Uzzi
Word Origin: [from H5810 (עָזַז - prevail)]

1. forceful
2. Uzzi, the name of six Israelites

Uzzi

From azaz; forceful; Uzzi, the name of six Israelites -- Uzzi.

see HEBREW azaz

Word Origin
from azaz
Definition
"forceful," the name of several Isr.
NASB Translation
Uzzi (11).

עֻזִּי proper name, masculine Οζει:

1 Levites:

a. 1 Chronicles 5:31; 1 Chronicles 5:32; 1 Chronicles 6:36; Ezra 7:4.

b. Nehemiah 11:22.

c. priestly name Nehemiah 12:19,42.

2 name in Issachar 1 Chronicles 7:2,3.

3 Benjamite name 1 Chronicles 7:7; 1 Chronicles 9:8.

Overview

Uzzi (עֻזִּי) appears eleven times in the Old Testament as the name of several different men. Although none of them occupies the narrative foreground, their collective presence stitches together priestly succession, tribal leadership, and post-exilic temple service. Each reference reinforces the continuity of covenant faithfulness from the wilderness era through the restoration period.

Uzzi in the High-Priestly Line (1 Chronicles 6:5–6; 6:51; Ezra 7:4)

In the genealogy that traces the lawful descendancy of the high priests from Aaron to the Second Temple era, Uzzi stands between Bukki and Zerahiah:

“Abishua was the father of Bukki, and Bukki was the father of Uzzi. Uzzi was the father of Zerahiah…” (1 Chronicles 6:5–6).

By appearing again in Ezra’s lineage (Ezra 7:4), Uzzi anchors the legitimacy of Ezra’s priesthood and shows that the reforms of the post-exilic community rest on an unbroken line that reaches back to the wilderness tabernacle.

Uzzi and the Tribe of Issachar (1 Chronicles 7:2-3)

Among “the sons of Tola” (Issachar) is Uzzi, whose own son Izrahiah becomes a clan chief (1 Chronicles 7:3). The text notes that, “during the reign of David, the descendants of Tola numbered 22,600” (7:2). Uzzi therefore represents a sturdy link in Issachar’s military and administrative strength during the united monarchy.

Uzzi within Benjamin (1 Chronicles 7:7; 9:8)

Two Benjamite registers list a man named Uzzi: one as a chief among the descendants of Bela (1 Chronicles 7:7), the other as an ancestor to early Jerusalem settlers after the exile (1 Chronicles 9:8). These mentions underline Benjamin’s resilience—from Saul’s day to the re-population of the holy city—through leaders who maintained clan identity.

Uzzi the Post-Exilic Levite Overseer (Nehemiah 11:22)

“The overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi son of Bani… one of the descendants of Asaph who were the singers in charge of the service of the house of God”. This Uzzi supervises temple musicians, guaranteeing orderly worship in the rebuilt sanctuary. His Asaphite pedigree links him to the Psalms’ musical tradition and highlights the centrality of praise in covenant renewal.

Uzzi and the Priestly Divisions (Nehemiah 12:19)

In the listing of priestly household heads “in the days of Joiakim,” Uzzi appears as the representative of the family of Jedaiah. His inclusion shows that the priestly courses instituted by David (1 Chronicles 24) survived exile and were operative once more in Judah.

Uzzi at the Dedication of Jerusalem’s Wall (Nehemiah 12:42)

At the climactic dedication ceremony, “Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malchijah, Elam and Ezer” accompany the choirs that encircle the wall. Uzzi’s participation links musical leadership to national rejoicing and testifies that faithful service, however briefly recorded, contributes to the corporate celebration of God’s saving work.

Theological and Ministry Significance

• Continuity of Covenant Leadership

Uzzi’s repeated appearance in genealogies affirms that God preserves a faithful remnant and maintains legitimate leadership structures through every epoch—from the exodus generation to the Second Temple community.

• Quiet Faithfulness

None of the men named Uzzi commands narrative spotlight, yet their steady service—whether in priesthood, tribal administration, or temple music—illustrates the value Scripture places on ordinary obedience. Ministry often advances through men and women whose names surface only in lists, reminding the modern church that hidden labor is still recorded in heaven.

• Worship and Order

The post-exilic Uzzis safeguard musical and priestly order, emphasizing that renewed worship requires both spiritual zeal and structured oversight. Their example commends careful organization in church life so that praise may be offered “decently and in order” (compare 1 Corinthians 14:40).

• Generational Transmission

Uzzi frequently functions as either son or father in the genealogies, underscoring the biblical ideal that faith and vocation pass from one generation to the next. Today’s leaders are stewards of a heritage meant to outlive them.

Summary

Though never center-stage, every Uzzi helps weave the fabric of Israel’s story: preserving priestly legitimacy, strengthening tribal identity, and ensuring the resumption of regulated, heartfelt worship after exile. Together their lives commend steadfast, often unseen service that honors the covenant Lord and sustains His people across centuries.

וְעֻזִּ֛י וְעֻזִּ֡י וְעֻזִּי֙ ועזי עֻזִּ֖י עֻזִּ֡י עֻזִּ֤י עֻזִּ֥י עֻזִּֽי׃ עזי עזי׃ ‘uz·zî ‘uzzî uzZi veuzZi wə‘uzzî wə·‘uz·zîInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts