Jabez יַעְבֵּץ
More honorable than his brothers; God granted his prayer.
Who is Jabez in the Bible?
Jabez was a descendant of Judah mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 who is remembered for his exceptional character and answered prayer. Described as more honorable than his brothers, Jabez cried out to God with a specific request: "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!" (1 Chronicles 4:10, ESV). According to the biblical account, God granted his request, making Jabez a notable example of faith and divine responsiveness in the Old Testament genealogies. His brief story illustrates the power of earnest prayer and God's willingness to bless those who seek Him.
Biography
Jabez is mentioned in 1Ch.4.9-10 as a descendant of Judah. He is described as being more honorable than his brothers, though the reason for this distinction is not given.
The passage records a prayer of Jabez, in which he cries out to the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!" (1Ch.4.10, ESV). The chronicler then notes that God granted his request.
This brief account of Jabez provides a glimpse into the personal faith and prayer life of an individual during the time of the chronicler. Jabez's prayer reflects a desire for God's blessing, protection, and provision. His request for enlarged borders may indicate a desire for increased territory or influence.
The fact that God granted Jabez's request suggests that his prayer was sincere and in line with God's will. This account serves as an encouragement to readers to bring their own requests to God in faith, trusting in His goodness and care.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Chronicles 2 verses
- 1 Chronicles 4:9
"Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.”"
- 1 Chronicles 4:10
"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."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | יַעְבֵּץ |
Jabez
(2) Person: The head of a family of Judah, noted for his "honorable" character, though "his mother bare him with sorrow" (1Ch 4:9,10), ya`bets being interpreted as if it stood for ya`tsebh, "he causes pain." The same play upon words recurs in his prayer, "that it be not to my sorrow!" His request was granted, "and the sorrow implied by his ominous name was averted by prayer" (Dummelow, in the place cited.).
ja'-bin (yabhin, "one who is intelligent," "discerning." The word may have been a hereditary royal title among the northern Canaanites. Compare the familiar usage of par`oh melekh mitsrayim):
(1) "The king of Hazo