Ὀζίας

From the study of Matthew 1:9

Range of meaning

This is the Greek spelling (as in the Septuagint) of Hebrew ʿUzzîyāhû / ʿUzzîyāh, "Yahweh is my strength." The same king is usually called ʿĂzaryāh(û), "Yahweh has helped," in 2 Kings 14:21–15:7. He is called Uzziah in 2 Kings 15:13, 30–34, in 2 Chronicles 26, in Isaiah 1:1 and 6:1, in Hosea 1:1, Amos 1:1 and Zechariah 14:5. He may have had a birth name and a throne name, or the two Hebrew names may have become confused because they sound alike.

Against the English

KJV keeps the Greek spelling "Ozias." That makes it hard for English readers to see this is the Uzziah of Isaiah 6. Modern versions bring back the Hebrew form, "Uzziah."

Used elsewhere in the period

The Septuagint of 2 Chronicles 26 and Isaiah 1:1 has Ozias. A burial plaque from the Second Temple period, now in the Israel Museum, reads in Aramaic: "Hither were brought the bones of Uzziah, king of Judah — do not open." This shows that his bones were moved and that his memory was honored in Jesus' era. Josephus (Antiquities 9.10) tells the story of his pride and leprosy.

From the study of Matthew 1:8

Range of meaning

The Greek form of Hebrew ʿUzziyyāhû, 'YHWH is my strength'. He is also called ʿAzaryāhû, 'YHWH has helped' (2 Kings 15:1–7; 1 Chronicles 3:12). He reigned for a long time (c. 792–740 BC) and later became a leper (2 Chronicles 26). Isaiah's vision is dated 'in the year King Uzziah died' (Isaiah 6:1).

Against the English

The KJV's 'Ozias' copies the Greek. Modern versions restore the familiar Hebrew name 'Uzziah'.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the Septuagint's list in 1 Chronicles 3:11, Joram's son is Ὀχοζίας (Ochozias = Ahaziah). The near-identical Ὀζίας (Ozias = Uzziah) has led some scholars to suggest the eye skipped from one name to the other, either in Matthew's source or in his own work.