1 Chronicles 4:9

KJV

And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jabez {H3258} was more honourable {H3513} than his brethren {H251}: and his mother {H517} called {H7121} his name {H8034} Jabez {H3258}, saying {H559}, Because I bare {H3205} him with sorrow {H6090}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ya'betz was honored more than his brothers; his mother called him Ya'betz, she explained, "because I bore him in pain [Hebrew: 'otzev]."

Berean Standard Bible

Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.”

American Standard Version

And Jabez was more honorable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nestled within the extensive genealogies of 1 Chronicles, 1 Chronicles 4:9 presents a striking narrative interlude, introducing Jabez as a figure of profound contrast and significance. Despite his mother naming him "Jabez" due to the sorrow surrounding his birth, the verse immediately declares him "more honourable than his brethren." This brief but potent statement sets the stage for the remarkable story of a man whose life defied his difficult origins, hinting at a divine favor and character that distinguished him among his kin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Chapters 1-9 of 1 Chronicles are dominated by genealogical lists, tracing the lineage from Adam through the various tribes of Israel, with a particular focus on Judah, the royal line of David, and the priestly line. These lists serve to establish the continuity of God's covenant people after the Babylonian exile, providing a foundation for the subsequent historical narrative. Within this otherwise dry enumeration of names, the mention of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 stands out as a unique narrative digression. The chronicler pauses the flow of names to highlight this individual, suggesting his story carries exceptional importance or serves as a didactic example. This interruption draws immediate attention to Jabez, preparing the reader for the significant prayer that follows in [1 Chronicles 4:10](/1_chronicles/4-10 "1 Chronicles 4:10 - The Prayer of Jabez").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period (around 450-400 BC), addressing a community grappling with questions of identity, continuity, and their relationship with God after returning from Babylon. Genealogies were crucial for establishing tribal identity, land rights, and eligibility for priestly service. Within this context, the chronicler's decision to include a narrative about Jabez, rather than just his name, underscores a particular theological or moral point relevant to the returning exiles. Names often carried prophetic or descriptive significance in ancient Israel, reflecting circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or even character. The cultural expectation was that a name like "Jabez" (sorrow) might portend a difficult life, making his "honourable" status all the more remarkable and counter-cultural.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **contrast between human perception/circumstance and divine purpose/blessing**. Jabez's name, signifying sorrow, stands in stark opposition to his honorable character, demonstrating that one's origin does not dictate destiny. This echoes themes found in stories like that of [Joseph](/genesis/37 "Genesis 37 - Joseph's Dreams and Betrayal") or [David](/1_samuel/16 "1 Samuel 16 - David Anointed King"), who rose to prominence despite humble or challenging beginnings. Secondly, it emphasizes the **significance of individual character and piety** even within a communal, genealogical framework. The chronicler's focus on Jabez's honor and subsequent prayer underscores that God interacts with and blesses individuals, not just the collective. Finally, the verse serves as a crucial **introduction to the power of prayer and divine response**, foreshadowing the remarkable blessing Jabez receives in [1 Chronicles 4:10](/1_chronicles/4-10 "1 Chronicles 4:10 - God's Answer to Jabez's Prayer"), where God grants his request, transforming his life from sorrow to honor and blessing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jabez (Hebrew, _Ya'bets'_):** This name, unique in the biblical text, is directly linked by the chronicler to the Hebrew root עָצַב ('_atsav_'), meaning "to hurt," "to grieve," or "to cause pain." The mother's explanation, "Because I bare him with sorrow (בְּעֹצֶב, _bə'otsev_)," explicitly connects the name to the pain she experienced during his birth or perhaps the difficult circumstances surrounding it. This etymological play is central to the verse's meaning, setting up the profound contrast with his later character.
* **Honourable (Hebrew, _kaved'_):** The Hebrew word כָּבֵד (_kaved_), often translated as "heavy," "weighty," or "glorious," implies a person of substance, respect, and influence. To be "more honourable" (נִכְבָּד, _nikhbad_) than his brethren suggests that Jabez possessed a reputation for integrity, piety, and perhaps material prosperity or social standing that surpassed his family members. This honor is presented as an inherent quality of Jabez, standing in direct contradiction to the sorrow implied by his name, thereby highlighting a divinely bestowed or character-earned distinction.
* **Sorrow (Hebrew, _'otsev'_):** This term (עֹצֶב, _'otsev_) refers to pain, grief, or hardship. Its use here by Jabez's mother is a poignant reflection of her personal experience during his birth. However, in a broader biblical context, 'otsev can also refer to the toil and pain associated with the curse in [Genesis 3:16-17](/genesis/3-16 "Genesis 3:16-17 - The Curse on Humanity"). The mother's naming decision thus anchors Jabez's beginning in a context of difficulty and suffering, making his subsequent status as "honourable" a powerful testament to transformation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren:":** This opening clause immediately establishes Jabez's exceptional character and standing. The Hebrew term "more honourable" (נִכְבָּד מֵאֶחָיו, _nikhbad me'ehav_) signifies a profound distinction, indicating that he was held in higher esteem, possessed greater influence, or perhaps experienced more divine favor than his siblings. This statement functions as a thesis for Jabez's life, setting up the subsequent explanation for his name and the prayer that follows in the next verse.
* **"and his mother called his name Jabez, saying,":** This clause introduces the origin of his unique and seemingly contradictory name. The act of naming by the mother is significant, often reflecting the circumstances of birth or a mother's hopes or laments. Here, it is a direct explanation for the name's meaning, providing the etymological link that the chronicler wishes to highlight.
* **"Because I bare him with sorrow.":** This final clause provides the explicit reason for Jabez's name. The mother's experience of "sorrow" (בְּעֹצֶב, _bə'otsev_) during his birth is the direct cause of his nomenclature. This sorrow could refer to physical pain, emotional distress, or perhaps the difficult social or economic circumstances into which he was born. This statement creates a dramatic tension: a child born of sorrow, yet destined for honor.

#### Literary Devices
The chronicler masterfully employs several literary devices in this brief verse. **Etymological Punning** is central, as the name "Jabez" (יַעְבֵּץ, _Ya'bets_) is directly linked to the Hebrew word for "sorrow" or "pain" (עֹצֶב, _'otsev_). This wordplay immediately draws the reader's attention to the paradox of his life. Furthermore, **Juxtaposition** is powerfully used, contrasting the negative connotation of his name ("sorrow") with the positive declaration of his character ("more honourable"). This stark contrast highlights the transformative power at work in Jabez's life, suggesting that his destiny was not defined by his difficult beginnings. The verse also functions as a **Narrative Interruption** or **Digression** within the otherwise monotonous genealogical lists. This sudden shift to a personal story signals the chronicler's intent to draw special attention to Jabez, implying that his life holds a significant lesson or theological point for the post-exilic community. This interruption also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, building anticipation for the subsequent verse where Jabez's remarkable prayer and God's response are revealed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 4:9 powerfully illustrates the biblical theme that one's identity and destiny are not solely determined by birth circumstances or human perception, but by divine favor and personal character. Jabez, named for sorrow, rises to honor, demonstrating that God can transform difficult beginnings into lives of distinction and blessing. This verse sets the stage for the profound truth that God's power and grace can elevate individuals beyond their perceived limitations, often in response to their faith and fervent prayer, as seen in the subsequent verse. It underscores the sovereignty of God in shaping individual lives and the potential for human agency, particularly through prayer, to align with God's purposes, leading to a life marked by honor and fruitfulness.

* [Psalm 30:5](/psalms/30-5 "Psalm 30:5 - Weeping May Endure for a Night")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")
* [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - Those Who Honor Me I Will Honor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jabez's story, though brief, offers a profound mirror for our own lives. We often find ourselves defined by our past, our perceived limitations, or even the labels others place upon us—labels of inadequacy, brokenness, or disadvantage. Yet, Jabez's declaration of being "more honourable" despite a name born of sorrow challenges us to look beyond our origins and embrace a God who specializes in transformation. His life encourages us that our beginnings do not dictate our endings. Instead, it is our character, our pursuit of God, and our willingness to trust in His power to elevate and bless that truly define our potential. This verse is a call to hope, reminding us that even from circumstances of pain, God can bring forth lives of immense honor and purpose, if we, like Jabez, are willing to seek Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "sorrows" or difficult beginnings in your life have you allowed to define your potential or identity?**
* **In what ways can you actively pursue "honor" in your life, not for self-glory, but as a reflection of God's character and blessing?**
* **How does Jabez's story encourage you to believe that God can transform your past into a powerful testimony of His grace?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jabez, a seemingly minor figure, given such a detailed mention in a genealogy?**

Answer: The chronicler's primary purpose in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 1-9 was to establish the continuity and identity of Israel after the Babylonian exile, particularly highlighting the Davidic and priestly lines. However, the inclusion of Jabez's brief narrative in [1 Chronicles 4:9-10](/1_chronicles/4-10 "1 Chronicles 4:10 - The Prayer of Jabez") serves a specific theological and didactic purpose. It breaks the monotony of the lists to draw attention to an individual whose life exemplified remarkable faith and divine favor. Jabez's story likely became a well-known tradition or proverb in Israel, illustrating that God honors those who seek Him and can transform even the most challenging beginnings into lives of honor and blessing. His inclusion provides a powerful message of hope and the efficacy of prayer for the post-exilic community, reminding them that God still works powerfully in individual lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The story of Jabez, a man named "sorrow" who became "honourable," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Jabez's mother bore him with sorrow, the Lord Jesus, the true "Man of Sorrows" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - A Man of Sorrows")), bore the ultimate sorrow of humanity's sin, taking upon Himself the pain and grief of the world. He was "pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities" ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - He Was Pierced for Our Transgressions")), enduring the cross, a place of immense suffering and dishonor, that we might receive honor and eternal life. Through His sacrifice, Jesus transformed the deepest sorrow into the greatest joy and the ultimate dishonor into unparalleled glory, as He was "exalted to the right hand of God" ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Exalted to God's Right Hand")). Unlike Jabez, whose honor was a personal blessing, Christ's honor is redemptive and universal, freely given to all who believe in Him, for "in him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace" ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). He is the one who truly turns our sorrow into joy ([John 16:20](/john/16-20 "John 16:20 - Your Sorrow Will Turn to Joy")) and grants us an inheritance of honor and glory as co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with 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.