1 Chronicles 4:9

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

The Book of 1 Chronicles begins with extensive genealogies, tracing the lineage from Adam through the tribes of Israel. Chapter 4 focuses on the descendants of Judah and Simeon. Amidst these long lists of names, verse 9 stands out as a brief narrative interlude, introducing a man named Jabez.

Context

Chapter 4 of 1 Chronicles is deeply embedded in the genealogical records of the tribes of Israel, primarily Judah. These chapters (1-9) serve to establish the lineage of the nation, particularly the royal line of David and the priestly line. The mention of Jabez, with details about his birth and character, is highly unusual within these typically bare lists. This suggests that Jabez held a significant place in the memory or tradition of Israel, highlighted here for a specific purpose that becomes clearer in the following verse.

Key Themes

  • Contrast of Name and Character: Jabez's name means "sorrow" or "pain," reflecting the difficult circumstances of his birth as described by his mother. However, the verse immediately contrasts this origin by stating he "was more honourable than his brethren." This sets up a powerful theme that one's beginning or name does not dictate their destiny or standing.
  • Significance in Genealogy: His inclusion with this brief narrative highlights his importance despite being listed among many other names. The chronicler pauses the list to draw attention to this individual, suggesting his story carries particular weight or lesson.
  • Introduction to a Remarkable Life: This verse serves as a preface to the famous prayer of Jabez found in the very next verse, which further elaborates on his relationship with God and the blessing he received.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Jabez" (Hebrew: יַעְבֵּץ, Ya'bets) is directly linked in the text to the Hebrew word עֹצֶב ('otsev), meaning "pain," "sorrow," or "grief." His mother's explanation, "Because I bare him with sorrow," emphasizes this etymological connection. The contrast between his name, signifying pain, and his description as "more honourable" (כָּבֵד, kaved, literally "heavy" or "weighted with glory/importance") is striking and intentional.

Significance and Application

Jabez's story, though brief, offers profound insights. It reminds us that our background or the circumstances of our birth do not define our potential or worth in God's eyes. His being "more honourable" despite his name suggests a life lived in a way that earned respect and favor, likely connected to his devotion and the powerful prayer he uttered to God. This verse encourages believers today that even if they come from difficult beginnings, they can strive for a life that is honorable and blessed by God.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 34:19 (6 votes)

    And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he [was] more honourable than all the house of his father.

  • Acts 17:11 (6 votes)

    These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

  • 1 Samuel 4:21 (6 votes)

    And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband.

  • 1 Chronicles 7:23 (3 votes)

    And when he went in to his wife, she conceived, and bare a son, and he called his name Beriah, because it went evil with his house.

  • Genesis 35:18 (3 votes)

    And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.

  • Genesis 3:16 (3 votes)

    ¶ Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire [shall be] to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

  • Isaiah 43:4 (2 votes)

    Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.