Lexical Summary Uzal: Uzal Original Word: אוּזָל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Uzal Of uncertain derivation; Uzal, a son of Joktan -- Uzal. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom azal Definition a son of Joktan, also his desc., also a place of unc. location NASB Translation Uzal (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs אוּזָל proper name, masculine (Samaritan איזל, ᵐ5 Αἰζηλ) 6th son of Joktan Genesis 10:27; 1 Chronicles 1:21 = proper name, of a location Ezekiel 27:19, read מֵאוּזָל ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Hi Sm Co; old capital of Yemen, later San'â, compare Di Genesis 10:27. I. אזן (pointed, sharp ? compare Ethiopic Topical Lexicon Genealogical Context Uzal appears in the Table of Nations as a son of Joktan, a descendant of Shem (Genesis 10:22-27; 1 Chronicles 1:17-21). His placement highlights the early dispersion of the post-Flood family lines before the call of Abram. Genesis 10:27 lists him simply: “Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah,” underscoring his equal standing among Joktan’s thirteen sons. Through Joktan, Uzal shares lineage with peoples that settled the southern regions of the Arabian Peninsula, demonstrating the breadth of the Shemite family beyond Mesopotamia and Canaan. Geographic Identification Ancient testimony—biblical, rabbinic, and classical—associates Uzal with the heart of Yemen. Jewish tradition identifies him with the city later known as Sanaa, whose Arabic name ’Azal preserves the consonants of אוּזָל. The city’s elevation, fertile highlands, and strategic position on overland incense routes made it an early urban center. As Joktan’s sons are consistently located in southwest Arabia (Genesis 10:30), this identification harmonizes with the scriptural description that “their territory extended from Mesha toward Sephar, the eastern hill country” (Genesis 10:30). Cultural and Economic Role Situated on lucrative caravan paths linking India, Africa, and the Mediterranean, the region associated with Uzal became renowned for frankincense, myrrh, spices, and textile trade. Later prophetic literature alludes to “Izal” in connection with Tyre’s maritime markets (Ezekiel 27:19), suggesting that Joktanite descendants maintained commercial significance for centuries. This accords with archaeological evidence of South Arabian kingdoms (Saba, Himyar) that flourished by controlling overland trade long after Genesis was penned. Theological Significance 1. Unity of the Human Family: Uzal’s brief listing affirms that every nation traces back to a common ancestor through Noah and ultimately Adam (Acts 17:26). Ministry Reflection Recognizing Uzal in Scripture encourages believers to value often-overlooked peoples and places. It challenges the Church to remember that cultures with deep historical roots—such as those in Yemen—remain within God’s redemptive scope. Prayer and mission efforts directed toward the Arabian Peninsula align with the biblical portrait of a Creator who remembers every branch of the family tree recorded in Genesis. Forms and Transliterations אוּזָ֖ל אוזל ’ū·zāl ’ūzāl uZalLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 10:27 HEB: הֲדוֹרָ֥ם וְאֶת־ אוּזָ֖ל וְאֶת־ דִּקְלָֽה׃ NAS: and Hadoram and Uzal and Diklah KJV: And Hadoram, and Uzal, and Diklah, INT: and Hadoram and Uzal and Diklah 1 Chronicles 1:21 2 Occurrences |
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edge, corner, peak, pinnacle; see also Assyrian DlW, & אָזֵןbelow)