📖WEB · 1 Chronicles 4:9
What does 1 Chronicles 4:9 mean?
"Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him with sorrow.”"
— 1 Chronicles 4:9 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
Naarah bore him Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the sons of Naarah.
The sons of Helah were Zereth, Izhar, and Ethnan.
Hakkoz became the father of Anub, Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel the son of Harum.
Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him with sorrow.”
Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my border! May your hand be with me, and may you keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” God granted him that which he requested.
Chelub the brother of Shuhah became the father of Mehir, who was the father of Eshton.
Eshton became the father of Beth Rapha, Paseah, and Tehinnah the father of Ir Nahash. These are the men of Recah.
Explanation
First Chronicles 4:9 introduces a brief but memorable figure named Jabez, tucked within the long genealogical lists that open the book of Chronicles. The verse tells us two simple things: Jabez was regarded as more honorable than his brothers, and his mother gave him a name that means something like "he causes pain" or "sorrowful," because his birth was accompanied by suffering. The very next verse (4:10) records his prayer, which is really the point of this short episode—verse 9 sets the stage by explaining the meaning behind his name and hinting that despite a name marked by pain, his character rose above it.
Chronicles was likely written after the Babylonian exile, compiled by a priestly or scribal author (traditionally associated with Ezra) for the returning Jewish community. Much of the book consists of genealogies meant to reconnect the post-exilic Israelites with their history, tribal identity, and the promises of God tied to their ancestors. Within these long lists of names, the author occasionally pauses to highlight an individual with a notable story, and Jabez is one of these rare exceptions. The mention of his honorable character amid an otherwise dry genealogical record signals that his life stood out enough to be remembered and preserved, even though he is otherwise obscure in the biblical narrative.
Theologically, this verse and the account that follows highlight a recurring biblical theme: God is not limited by human circumstances, including painful beginnings or difficult names given at birth. Names in the ancient Near East were believed to carry significance about a person's identity or destiny
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