Meaning
Uriah is a Hebrew masculine personal name commonly understood to mean “the LORD is my light” or “Yahweh is my light.”
Biblical Usage
Uriah the Hittite was one of David’s soldiers and the husband of Bathsheba. When Bathsheba became pregnant by David, David attempted to conceal the matter by bringing Uriah home from the battlefield. Uriah did not go to his house while the other soldiers remained in the field.
David then sent a letter instructing Joab to place Uriah in the fiercest fighting and withdraw support from him. Uriah was killed, and Nathan later confronted David concerning the deed.
Key References
- 2 Samuel 11:3–27 — The account of Uriah, Bathsheba, and David.
- 2 Samuel 12:9–10 — Nathan refers to David’s killing of Uriah.
- 2 Samuel 23:39 — Uriah is listed among David’s mighty men.
- 1 Kings 15:5 — Uriah’s death is mentioned in a summary of David’s conduct.
- Matthew 1:6 — Uriah is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus through the reference to his wife.
Related Terms
- Bathsheba — Uriah’s wife.
- David — The king who arranged Uriah’s death.
- Joab — The commander who received David’s letter concerning Uriah.
- Bloodguilt — Guilt associated with the shedding of blood.