How to Pronounce Ozias

Meaning and Context

Ozias is the traditional rendering found in French, Portuguese, and other Romance language Bibles for Uzziah, a significant monarch of the ancient Kingdom of Judah who reigned in the 8th century BCE. Ascending to the throne as a young man, his lengthy rule, traditionally dated from around 792 to 740 BC, is chronicled in the biblical books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and the Book of Isaiah, and is marked by a period of exceptional national prosperity, territorial expansion, and military innovation. His reign is often cited for its successful campaigns against neighboring Philistine and Arabian territories and the fortification of Jerusalem, showcasing his strategic acumen and the kingdom's wealth. However, the narrative of King Uzziah, or Ozias, is ultimately a cautionary tale of hubris; his story culminates in his attempting to burn incense in the Temple, a duty reserved for priests, leading to his being struck with leprosy as divine punishment and his subsequent forced isolation until his death. This dramatic arc from powerful king to afflicted outcast makes the story of Ozias a pivotal study in themes of pride, piety, and the limits of royal authority in the biblical tradition.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary variant of this name is the original Hebrew "Uzziah," which is standard in English translations of the Bible. The form "Ozias" itself is a direct Latin transliteration from the Greek "Οζιας" (Ozias) found in the Septuagint, which then passed into the Vulgate and subsequently into Romance languages. Common misspellings and typographical errors often arise from phonetic confusion or keyboard slips, resulting in forms such as "Ozias" (dropping the 'i'), "Oziah" (adding an 'h' by analogy with Uzziah), "Ozzias" (doubling the 'z'), or "Osias" (replacing the 'z' with an 's'). In Portuguese, one may occasionally see the archaic spelling "Ozias" maintained, though it is less common. Researchers or students searching for information should be aware of these alternate spellings to ensure comprehensive results, particularly when consulting older theological texts or non-English sources.

Example Sentences

The prophet Isaiah began his ministry "in the year that King Ozias died," an event that marked a major transition for the kingdom of Judah.

According to 2 Chronicles, Ozias's great pride led him to violate temple protocol, resulting in his living in a separate house as a leper for the remainder of his reign.

Many sermons reference the downfall of Ozias as a powerful example of how success can lead to overreach without humility.

In French biblical scholarship, the military campaigns of Ozias are often analyzed for their impact on the geopolitics of the region.

Genealogies in the Gospel of Matthew list "Ozias" as an ancestor in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

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