1 Chronicles 4 9

1 Chronicles 4:9 kjv

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

1 Chronicles 4:9 nkjv

Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, "Because I bore him in pain."

1 Chronicles 4:9 niv

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain."

1 Chronicles 4:9 esv

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, "Because I bore him in pain."

1 Chronicles 4:9 nlt

There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful.

1 Chronicles 4 verses

1 Chronicles 4 9 Meaning

1 Chronicles 4:9 introduces Jabez as a uniquely distinguished individual within a lengthy genealogical record. His name, given by his mother, signified "pain" or "sorrow" due to the difficult circumstances of his birth. Despite this painful origin, the verse declares that Jabez was "more honorable" or "more highly esteemed" than his siblings, highlighting a profound contrast between his initial identity and his eventual character and standing. This honor, as revealed in the subsequent verse (v.10), was a direct result of God's blessing in response to his prayer. The verse emphasizes that one's lineage or initial circumstances do not dictate one's destiny when God's favor is at work.

1 Chronicles 4 9 Context

The first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles are primarily dedicated to genealogies, a detailed tracing of lineage from Adam down to the post-exilic community. This served to establish the legitimacy and continuity of Israel's tribal and priestly identities, especially important after the return from Babylonian exile. Within these extensive and often dry lists of names, 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 stands out as a remarkable narrative interruption. While most names pass by with no further comment, Jabez receives a focused, almost poetic, description of his character, the meaning of his name, and a record of his powerful prayer and God's response. This brief but significant narrative break emphasizes Jabez's exceptionality and serves as an important lesson for the Chronicler's audience, illustrating God's responsiveness and ability to reverse even the most unfortunate beginnings. The Chronicler highlights figures that exemplify faithfulness and God's blessing, likely as a source of hope and encouragement for a struggling community attempting to rebuild their national and spiritual life. His story subtly counters any belief that one's fate is purely determined by birth or societal expectations; divine intervention and personal piety can dramatically alter one's course.

1 Chronicles 4 9 Word analysis

• Jabez (יַעְבֵּץ - Ya’bets): Derived from the Hebrew root עָצַב (ʻatsab), meaning "pain," "sorrow," "grief," or "trouble." This name inherently carries a negative connotation, associating him with suffering or causing pain. The selection of this obscure name for such an honorable man emphasizes the reversal of fortune.
• was more honorable (נִכְבָּד - nikhbād): This is a Niphal participle from the verb כָּבֵד (kābēd), meaning "to be heavy," "to be weighty," which metaphorically translates to "to be glorious," "to be respected," or "to be honored." The Niphal conjugation implies a passive sense, meaning "he was honored" or "he became honored," suggesting that this distinction was conferred upon him by an external source—ultimately, God—rather than being something he self-achieved or boasted about. It contrasts starkly with the literal meaning of his name.
• than his brothers: This comparison elevates Jabez beyond his immediate kin, highlighting his unique position not just within his family but within the broader genealogical line of Judah. It suggests a qualitative superiority in character or achievement.
• and his mother called his name Jabez: In ancient Israel, mothers often played a significant role in naming children, and names frequently reflected circumstances, hopes, or prophecies related to the child's birth or early life. This detail ties the naming explicitly to the mother's experience, providing the reason for the sorrowful name.
• saying, 'Because I bore him in pain.' (בְּעֹצֶב - bĕʻōṣeb): The word for "pain" here is עֹצֶב (ʻōṣeb), which directly echoes the root of Jabez's name (ʻatsab). This repetition clarifies the etymology and emphasizes the physical and emotional distress associated with his birth. It sets up the striking contrast with his later status.
  • Words-group analysis: "Jabez was more honorable than his brothers": This phrase introduces the central paradox of the verse. Despite a name denoting suffering, Jabez possessed exceptional character or standing. This immediate elevation positions him as unique within a generally unremarkable genealogical listing.
  • Words-group analysis: "and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, 'Because I bore him in pain.'": This second phrase provides the specific, personal reason for his unfortunate name. It underscores the initial disadvantage and difficult beginnings associated with Jabez, making his subsequent honor all the more profound and divinely miraculous.

1 Chronicles 4 9 Bonus section

The positioning of Jabez's story, an exception to the long, undetailed genealogies, suggests the Chronicler’s purposeful theological message. Instead of being a mere historical entry, Jabez becomes a figure of profound inspiration, particularly for a community facing significant challenges after exile. His life story demonstrates that God values individuals who seek Him, regardless of their background or how the world initially perceives them. It sets the stage for his subsequent prayer, which is not only famous for its content but also for its effective outcome, further emphasizing that God answers those who call upon Him with faith. The very name Jabez, being associated with "pain," makes his divine elevation all the more significant, highlighting God's transformative power that can turn sorrow into honor. This narrative implicitly encourages believers to not be defined by past hardships but to look to God for an honorable future.

1 Chronicles 4 9 Commentary

1 Chronicles 4:9 offers a poignant and deeply theological insight embedded within a list of ancestors. It immediately draws attention to Jabez not for his lineage or inherited status, but for a paradoxical reality: named for "pain" by his mother, he rose to be "more honorable" than his brothers. This stark contrast highlights God's sovereignty over human circumstances. It asserts that one's beginning, no matter how dire or negatively perceived, does not define one's ultimate destiny. Jabez's story implies that true honor comes not from birthright or worldly achievement alone, but from God's favor, which, as verse 10 reveals, is often bestowed in response to earnest prayer and a seeking heart. The Chronicler strategically places this short narrative to encourage a post-exilic Israel grappling with national identity and hardship, signaling that divine blessing can reverse fortunes and elevate those who trust in the Lord. It serves as a beacon of hope, reminding believers that even from positions of sorrow, God can bring forth great honor and blessing.