1 Chronicles 4:10

KJV

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep [me] from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jabez {H3258} called {H7121} on the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, Oh that {H518} thou wouldest bless {H1288} me indeed {H1288}, and enlarge {H7235} my coast {H1366}, and that thine hand {H3027} might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep {H6213} me from evil {H7451}, that it may not grieve {H6087} me! And God {H430} granted {H935} him that which he requested {H7592}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ya'betz called on the God of Isra'el: "Please bless me by enlarging my territory. May your hand be with me! Keep me from harm, so that it will not cause me pain [Hebrew: 'atzbi]." God granted his request.

Berean Standard Bible

And Jabez called out to the God of Israel, “If only You would bless me and enlarge my territory! May Your hand be with me and keep me from harm, so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted the request of Jabez.

American Standard Version

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my border, and that thy hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it be not to my sorrow! And God granted him that which he requested.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Within the often-dense genealogies of 1 Chronicles, the brief account of Jabez stands out as a profound testament to the power of earnest prayer and God's generous responsiveness. Despite a name associated with sorrow, Jabez boldly called upon the God of Israel for comprehensive blessing, expanded influence, divine presence, and deliverance from evil. His concise yet fervent petition, remarkably, was fully granted by God, transforming his destiny and highlighting the principle that a humble, faith-filled request can unlock extraordinary divine favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles, written primarily for the post-exilic community, meticulously traces the genealogies of Israel, particularly focusing on the lineage of Judah and the Davidic monarchy, as well as the Levites and priests. Its purpose was to re-establish the identity, heritage, and covenantal relationship of the returned exiles with God, reminding them of their sacred past and future hope. 1 Chronicles 4:10 is embedded within a long and otherwise unembellished list of Judah's descendants, specifically [1 Chronicles 4:1-23](/1_chronicles/4 "1 Chronicles 4 - Genealogies of Judah and Simeon"). The sudden, detailed interruption of Jabez's story amidst these names is highly unusual and deliberate, signifying its profound importance. It serves as a striking narrative oasis, emphasizing that even within the dry enumeration of names, God is attentive to individual faith and prayer, and can dramatically alter a person's destiny.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written after the Babylonian exile, 1 Chronicles aimed to reconnect the Jewish people with their ancestral roots and the promises of God. Lineage was paramount for land claims, tribal identity, and understanding one's place in God's covenant. Names, in ancient Israelite culture, were often prophetic or descriptive of circumstances surrounding birth or a person's character. Jabez's name, meaning "sorrow" or "pain," given by his mother due to her difficult birth, would have carried a heavy cultural stigma. His prayer, therefore, is a direct challenge to the perceived destiny implied by his name, appealing to a God who transcends human circumstances. The concept of "coast" or "territory" (Hebrew: _gəḇûl_) was deeply significant in an agrarian society, representing not only physical land but also security, prosperity, and the sphere of influence for a family or tribe within the Promised Land.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several enduring theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **earnest and specific prayer**, demonstrating a deep reliance on God rather than self-effort, akin to the persistent widow in [Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine blessing**, showing God's willingness to grant comprehensive favor that extends beyond material wealth to encompass spiritual and relational well-being, echoing the Abrahamic blessing in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham"). Thirdly, the request to "enlarge my coast" introduces the theme of **expansion and influence**, suggesting a desire for increased opportunities to serve God and extend His kingdom, a concept found in the Great Commission of [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"). Fourthly, the petition for God's "hand" to be with him underscores the theme of **God's active presence and empowering guidance**, recognizing that true success and protection stem from divine assistance, as seen in [Psalm 23:4](/psalms/23-4 "Psalm 23:4 - The Lord is My Shepherd"). Finally, the prayer for deliverance from evil resonates with the broader biblical theme of **protection from sin and harm**, a plea also found in the Lord's Prayer in [Matthew 6:13](/matthew/6-13 "Matthew 6:13 - Deliver Us From Evil"). The concluding statement, "And God granted him that which he requested," serves as a powerful affirmation of God's **responsiveness to faithful prayer**, showcasing His character as a hearer and answerer of petitions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jabez (Hebrew, _Ya‘beṣ'_):** This name is derived from the Hebrew root עָצַב (_‘aṣab_), meaning "to grieve," "to pain," or "to hurt." His mother named him this "because I bore him with sorrow" (1 Chronicles 4:9). The very act of his prayer is a direct counter-narrative to the pain associated with his birth, seeking to reverse the sorrow and pain implied by his name through divine intervention. His life becomes a testimony to God's ability to transform a destiny seemingly predetermined by a painful beginning.
* **bless me indeed (Hebrew, בָּרֵךְ תְּבָרְכֵנִי, _bareḵ tǝḇāreḵēnî'_):** This phrase employs the Hebrew infinitive absolute construction, which intensifies the verb. It's not merely a request for a blessing, but for a profound, comprehensive, and undeniable blessing – a "blessing of blessings." This grammatical emphasis highlights Jabez's earnestness and his desire for God's favor to be abundantly and unequivocally manifest in his life, touching every sphere.
* **coast (Hebrew, גְּבוּל, _gəḇûl'_):** While literally meaning "boundary" or "territory," particularly in the context of land inheritance, this term carries significant metaphorical weight. For Jabez, it likely encompassed not just physical land expansion but also an enlargement of his sphere of influence, opportunities, resources, and perhaps even spiritual capacity to serve God and impact others. It speaks to a desire for God to expand his reach and effectiveness beyond his current limitations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jabez called on the God of Israel":** This opening clause immediately establishes Jabez's faith and the object of his petition. He did not call on idols or lesser gods, but specifically on "the God of Israel" – the covenant-keeping, sovereign Lord who had revealed Himself to His people. This indicates a personal relationship and trust in God's power and willingness to act on behalf of His chosen ones.
* **"saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed":** This is the foundational request, a fervent plea for comprehensive divine favor. The intensified "bless me indeed" (as discussed above) suggests a desire for a blessing that is deep, wide, and transformative, touching every aspect of his existence – spiritual, material, relational, and influential.
* **"and enlarge my coast":** This second petition is for an increase in his sphere of influence or territory. While it could refer to literal land, it is often interpreted more broadly as a request for expanded opportunities, resources, or capacity to make a greater impact for God's purposes. It reflects a desire for God to use him in a more significant way.
* **"and that thine hand might be with me":** This is a profound request for God's active presence, guidance, and empowering assistance. "Thine hand" symbolizes God's power, protection, and favor. Jabez recognized that true success and safety come not from human strength or wisdom, but from the constant, active involvement of God in his life and endeavors.
* **"and that thou wouldest keep [me] from evil, that it may not grieve me!":** This petition reveals Jabez's desire for protection. "Evil" (Hebrew: רָע, _ra‘_) can encompass moral evil (sin), physical harm, spiritual attack, or any form of calamity or affliction. The phrase "that it may not grieve me" directly links back to the meaning of his name, "sorrow." He prayed for deliverance from anything that would cause him pain or sorrow, thereby reversing the negative connotation of his birth name.
* **"And God granted him that which he requested.":** This concluding statement is the powerful affirmation of God's immediate and complete answer to Jabez's prayer. It underscores God's responsiveness to sincere, faith-filled petitions and serves as the ultimate validation of Jabez's bold faith. It transforms his story from a mere genealogical entry into a timeless example of divine favor.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Jabez employs several potent **literary devices**. The most striking is **Contrast/Juxtaposition**, specifically between Jabez's name, meaning "sorrow," and the outcome of his prayer, which is comprehensive blessing and deliverance from grief. This stark contrast highlights God's power to reverse human circumstances and destiny. The use of the **Infinitive Absolute** in "bless me indeed" (בָּרֵךְ תְּבָרְכֵנִי) serves as a device of **Intensification**, emphasizing the profound and comprehensive nature of the blessing Jabez sought and received. Furthermore, the passage exhibits a form of **Inclusio or Framing**, where the initial mention of his name's sorrowful origin (1 Chronicles 4:9) is powerfully resolved by the prayer's conclusion, "that it may not grieve me," and God's granting of his request, effectively reversing the sorrow. Finally, while not explicit anaphora, the repeated structure of Jabez's requests ("Oh that thou wouldest bless me... and enlarge my coast... and that thine hand might be with me... and that thou wouldest keep me from evil...") creates a sense of **Parallelism and Accumulation**, building the intensity of his multi-faceted petition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The story of Jabez profoundly illustrates several key theological truths. It affirms God's character as a benevolent and responsive Father who delights in answering the earnest prayers of His children. It teaches that prayer is not merely a ritual but a powerful means of engaging with divine sovereignty, allowing human petition to play a role in the unfolding of God's will. Jabez's bold and specific requests, despite his humble place in a genealogy, demonstrate that God is not limited by human origins or circumstances. His willingness to "enlarge" Jabez's "coast" speaks to God's desire for His people to flourish and expand their influence for His glory, not merely for personal gain. The emphasis on God's "hand" being with him points to the indispensable nature of divine presence and empowerment for true success and protection from evil, reminding believers that all good things come from God.

* [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart")
* [Numbers 6:24-26](/numbers/6-24 "Numbers 6:24-26 - The Priestly Blessing")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Sustaining Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The prayer of Jabez serves as a timeless model for believers today, encouraging a vibrant and audacious prayer life. It challenges us to move beyond timid requests and to pray boldly, specifically, and with unwavering faith, trusting in God's goodness and limitless power. His desire for an "enlarged coast" prompts us to consider how we might ask God to expand our own spheres of influence, opportunities, and capacity to serve Him more effectively, always aligning our ambitions with His kingdom purposes. Furthermore, Jabez's recognition of the need for God's "hand" to be with him underscores our absolute dependence on divine presence and guidance in every endeavor, reminding us that true success and protection flow from His active involvement in our lives. Finally, his plea for deliverance from evil encourages us to consistently seek God's protection from all forms of spiritual, moral, and physical harm, trusting Him to guard us from anything that would cause us grief or hinder our walk with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "sorrow" or perceived limitation in your life might God want to transform into a testimony of His blessing, as He did for Jabez?**
* **In what specific areas of your life or ministry are you asking God to "enlarge your coast" or expand your influence for His glory?**
* **How does Jabez's emphasis on God's "hand" being with him challenge your own reliance on self-sufficiency versus divine dependence?**
* **What are the "evils" you need God to protect you from, both external temptations and internal struggles, that might cause you grief?**

### FAQ

**Is the "Prayer of Jabez" a formula for guaranteed prosperity or a magical incantation?**

Answer: No, the "Prayer of Jabez" is not a magical formula or a guarantee of material prosperity simply by reciting it. While God did grant Jabez's requests, the biblical account highlights his genuine faith, his specific appeal to "the God of Israel" (the covenant-keeping God), and the context of his life. The verse encourages bold, faith-filled prayer and trust in God's character, but it does not promise a formulaic outcome for every individual. God's answers to prayer are always in accordance with His sovereign will, His wisdom, and His ultimate purposes, which may not always align with our immediate desires or definitions of "blessing." The emphasis should be on the character of God and the nature of sincere prayer, not on a mechanical application of the words. As [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "1 John 5:14 - Confidence in Prayer") teaches, "if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."

**What does "enlarge my coast" mean for believers today?**

Answer: For believers today, "enlarge my coast" can be interpreted metaphorically as a prayer for an increased sphere of influence, expanded opportunities, or greater capacity to serve God and advance His kingdom. In the ancient context, "coast" referred to physical territory or boundaries. For us, it might mean more opportunities to share the Gospel, a greater impact in our workplaces or communities, increased resources for ministry, or a deeper spiritual capacity to understand and live out God's will. It is a prayer for God to expand our effectiveness and reach for His glory, not merely for personal gain or material accumulation. It aligns with the call to be fruitful and multiply, both physically and spiritually, as seen in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Cultural Mandate") and the parable of the talents in [Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents").

**Why is Jabez mentioned in the genealogies when others are not given such detail?**

Answer: Jabez's detailed mention within the otherwise succinct genealogies of 1 Chronicles is highly significant precisely because it is an anomaly. The Chronicler's purpose was not merely to list names but to convey theological truths and encourage the post-exilic community. By highlighting Jabez, the author emphasizes that God is attentive to individual faith and prayer, even amidst vast family histories. His story serves as a powerful illustration of God's willingness to respond to sincere petitions, to reverse negative circumstances (like the meaning of his name), and to grant extraordinary favor. It offers a beacon of hope and a practical example of faith in action, demonstrating that one's personal destiny is not solely determined by birth or lineage but can be profoundly shaped by a direct appeal to the God of Israel. It underscores the Chronicler's broader message of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, even down to the individual level.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The prayer of Jabez, with its yearning for profound blessing, enlarged influence, divine presence, and deliverance from evil, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true and ultimate "blessing indeed," for through Him, we receive every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ")). Our "coast" is truly enlarged not through physical territory, but through the expansion of God's kingdom and our spiritual inheritance in Christ, who has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). The "hand" of God is supremely with us through the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent to be our Helper and Guide, ensuring His constant presence and empowerment ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the ultimate Deliverer from evil, having triumphed over sin, death, and the power of the evil one through His crucifixion and resurrection. His prayer in [Matthew 6:13](/matthew/6-13 "Matthew 6:13 - Deliver Us From Evil"), "deliver us from evil," is answered definitively in His finished work. In Christ, the sorrow associated with our fallen nature is reversed, and we are granted not just temporary relief but eternal life and freedom from sin's dominion. He is the great High Priest who intercedes for us, ensuring that our prayers, offered in His name, are heard and answered according to God's perfect will ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Intercession")). Thus, Jabez's prayer foreshadows the comprehensive and lasting blessing, expansion, presence, and deliverance that are ours in full measure through faith in Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.