Original Word: עָזִּיאֵלִי
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: `Ozziy'eliy
Pronunciation: ooz-ee-ay-lee
Phonetic Spelling: (oz-zee-ay-lee')
KJV: Uzzielites
NASB: Uzzielites
Word Origin: [patronymically from H5816 (עוּזִּיאֵל - Uzziel)]

1. an Uzzielite (collectively) or descendants of Uzziel

Uzzielites

Patronymically from Uzziy'el; an Uzzielite (collectively) or descendants of Uzziel -- Uzzielites.

see HEBREW Uzziy'el

Word Origin
from Uzziel
Definition
desc. of Uzziel
NASB Translation
Uzzielites (2).

עָזִּיאֵלִי adjective, of a people of foregoing, with article as substantive collective Numbers 3:27 (Ginsb^{margin {abbrev}}הָעַזּ); ׳לָעָז 1 Chronicles 26:23.

Name and Lineage

The Uzzielites are the descendants of Uzziel, the third-listed son of Kohath and grandson of Levi (Exodus 6:18; Numbers 3:19). As a subdivision of the Kohathite branch of Levi, they inherit both the privileges and responsibilities uniquely assigned to that most intimate circle of Levitical service.

Biblical Occurrences

1. Numbers 3:27 records the clan among “the families of the Kohathites,” enumerating them alongside the Amramites, Izharites, and Hebronites.
2. 1 Chronicles 26:23 later names them during David’s administrative reforms: “From the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites.”

Levitical Duties in the Wilderness

Although Moses does not single out each Kohathite sub-clan with separate tasks, Numbers 3:31 assigns the whole Kohathite contingent “responsibility for the Ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the vessels of the sanctuary with which the priests minister, and the curtain.” These were “the most holy things,” and only after Aaronic priests had covered them could the Kohathites lift the poles and bear the weight. Thus every Uzzielite male of age shared in the guarded transport of Israel’s holiest furnishings—an honor reminding Israel that divine holiness is to be approached with trembling obedience (Numbers 4:15).

Service in the Monarchy

By the time of David, Levitical organization shifts from mobile tabernacle to permanent temple. 1 Chronicles 26 links the Uzzielites to treasuries and gatekeeping. Their kinship group supplied reliable men for the strongrooms that housed “the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated things” (1 Chronicles 26:20). The stewardship dimension of their ministry complemented the earlier carrying duties—first safeguarding holy objects on the march, then safeguarding holy wealth at rest.

Historical Footprint

The Uzzielites never dominate the narrative, yet their perseverance across centuries illustrates the covenant faithfulness God expects of every tribe and family. From Sinai’s wilderness through the united monarchy, their record stands unbroken, showing that even lesser-known lineages have enduring roles in God’s redemptive story.

Theological and Spiritual Lessons

• Nearness to holy things demands consecration. The Uzzielites’ proximity to the ark prefigures the believer’s call to “be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).
• Invisible faithfulness matters. Scripture names no famous Uzzielite prophet, yet God preserves their family record, reminding the church that “He is not unjust; He will not forget your work” (Hebrews 6:10).
• Stewardship of God’s treasures—whether objects in transit or resources in store—foreshadows the New-Covenant charge to guard the gospel itself (2 Timothy 1:14).

Application for the Church

The Uzzielites encourage every believer and ministry team that patient, reverent service—often unseen—advances God’s purposes. Whether carrying burdens under desert sun or accounting for offerings within Solomon’s temple, they model diligence, purity, and generational continuity in worship.

הָֽעָזִּיאֵלִ֑י העזיאלי לָֽעָזִּיאֵלִֽי׃ לעזיאלי׃ hā‘āzzî’êlî hā·‘āz·zî·’ê·lî haazzieLi lā‘āzzî’êlî lā·‘āz·zî·’ê·lî LaazzieLiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts