684. Otsem

Lexical Summary

Otsem: Might, strength, power

Original Word: אֹצֶם
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Otsem
Pronunciation: O-tsem
Phonetic Spelling: (o'-tsem)
KJV: Ozem
NASB: Ozem
Word Origin: [from an unused root probably meaning to be strong]

1. strength (i.e. strong)
2. Otsem, the name of two Israelites

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Ozem

From an unused root probably meaning to be strong; strength (i.e. Strong); Otsem, the name of two Israelites -- Ozem.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
two Isr.
NASB Translation
Ozem (2).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

אֹ֫צֶם proper name, masculine

1 elder brother of David 1 Chronicles 2:15.

2 a descendant of Judah 1 Chronicles 2:25.

אֶצְעָדָה see צעד

Topical Lexicon

Name and Meaning

Ozem (אֹצֶם) carries the idea of “strength” or “stoutness,” an image drawn from firm muscle or bone. It evokes inner fortitude rather than mere outward might, a quality Scripture consistently attributes to the Lord and to those who trust Him.

Biblical Occurrences

1. 1 Chronicles 2:15 lists Ozem as the sixth son of Jesse: “Ozem the sixth, and David the seventh”.
2. 1 Chronicles 2:25 names another Ozem among the sons of Jerahmeel: “The sons of Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron were Ram the firstborn, Bunah, Oren, Ozem, and Ahijah”.

Genealogical Context

In Chronicles, genealogy serves a theological purpose, tracing the covenant line and grounding Israel’s history in God’s promises. Ozem’s presence twice in the Judahite lineage underscores two complementary truths:
• The Davidic line—Ozem immediately precedes David, reminding readers that the shepherd-king emerged from an ordinary family in Bethlehem.
• The broader clan of Hezron—Ozem son of Jerahmeel illustrates God’s providence across multiple branches of Judah, not only the regal one.

Thematic Significance

Strength with Humility: Ozem’s name highlights a trait prized throughout Scripture, yet the man himself remains obscure. His anonymity beside famed relatives teaches that authentic strength is often quiet and uncelebrated.

Covenant Continuity: Listing minor figures like Ozem affirms God’s interest in every generation that leads to the Messiah (Matthew 1:1–16 echoes this pattern).

Hidden Servants: The Chronicles’ chronicler elevates household members whose accounts are otherwise untold, encouraging believers that divine purposes include the unseen faithful.

Ministry and Homiletical Applications

1. Strength Rooted in God: Ozem’s very name invites reflection on verses such as Psalm 28:7—“The Lord is my strength and my shield.” Preaching can connect the nominal meaning to the believer’s call to draw strength from the Lord (Ephesians 6:10).
2. Valuing the Unnoticed: Congregations are full of modern “Ozems” whose steadfast service sustains gospel work without fanfare (1 Corinthians 12:22).
3. Family Legacy: Parents may be challenged to cultivate spiritual “strength” that outlives public recognition and blesses future generations, just as Jesse’s obscure son still mattered in redemptive history.

Summary

Though mentioned only twice, Ozem embodies the quiet strength God weaves into His covenant story—strength that upholds households, supports leaders, and ultimately anchors the lineage culminating in Jesus Christ.

Forms and Transliterations

אֹ֚צֶם אצם וָאֹ֖צֶם ואצם ’ō·ṣem ’ōṣem Otzem vaOtzem wā’ōṣem wā·’ō·ṣem

Englishman's Concordance

1 Chronicles 2:15
HEB: אֹ֚צֶם הַשִּׁשִּׁ֔י דָּוִ֖יד
NAS: Ozem the sixth, David
KJV: Ozem the sixth, David
INT: Ozem the sixth David

1 Chronicles 2:25
HEB: וּבוּנָ֥ה וָאֹ֛רֶן וָאֹ֖צֶם אֲחִיָּֽה׃
NAS: then Bunah, Oren, Ozem [and] Ahijah.
KJV: and Oren, and Ozem, [and] Ahijah.
INT: Bunah Oren Ozem Ahijah

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 684
2 Occurrences

’ō·ṣem — 1 Occ.
wā·’ō·ṣem — 1 Occ.