King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 4:9 Mean?

1 Chronicles 4:9 in the King James Version says “And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with s...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 4:9 · KJV

Context

7

And the sons of Helah were, Zereth, and Jezoar , and Ethnan.

8

And Coz begat Anub, and Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel the son of Harum.

9

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

10

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. Oh: Heb. If thou wilt, etc keep: Heb. do me

11

And Chelub the brother of Shuah begat Mehir, which was the father of Eshton.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren (וַיְהִי יַעְבֵּץ נִכְבָּד מֵאֶחָיו)—יַעְבֵּץ (Yabetz) means 'he causes pain,' reflecting his mother's difficult labor. Yet despite an ominous name, Jabez achieved נִכְבָּד (nikhbad, 'honored,' 'weighty,' 'glorious'). His mother's naming him 'pain' could have defined his identity, but his prayer (v. 10) reveals faith that transcended circumstances. The statement 'more honourable' suggests righteous reputation, not mere prominence.

Jabez models refusing to accept limiting labels others impose. Rather than accepting 'pain' as identity, he sought God's blessing, enlarged borders, divine presence, and protection from evil. His prayer became Israel's model for seeking God's favor—not passively accepting fate but actively pursuing God's purposes through petition. Christ teaches similar boldness: 'Ask, and it shall be given you' (Matthew 7:7).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jabez appears abruptly in Judahite genealogies without lineage context, suggesting his fame derived from character rather than ancestry. The Chronicler highlights exceptional individuals (like Jabez) amid genealogical lists, demonstrating personal faithfulness matters more than pedigree. The town Jabez (1 Chronicles 2:55) may have been named after him.

Reflection Questions

  1. What negative labels or painful circumstances has your past imposed that God wants to transcend through faith like Jabez?
  2. How does Jabez's prayer challenge you to pursue God's blessing and enlarged influence rather than accepting limited expectations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיְהִ֣י1 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

יַעְבֵּץ֙2 of 12

“And Jabez”

H3258

jabets, the name of an israelite, and also of a place in palestine

נִכְבָּ֖ד3 of 12

“was more honourable”

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

מֵֽאֶחָ֑יו4 of 12

“than his brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וְאִמּ֗וֹ5 of 12

“and his mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

קָֽרְאָ֨ה6 of 12

“called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁמ֤וֹ7 of 12

“his name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יַעְבֵּץ֙8 of 12

“And Jabez”

H3258

jabets, the name of an israelite, and also of a place in palestine

לֵאמֹ֔ר9 of 12

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כִּ֥י10 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָלַ֖דְתִּי11 of 12

“Because I bare”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

בְּעֹֽצֶב׃12 of 12

“him with sorrow”

H6090

an (idolatrous) image

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 4:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 4:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 4:21Acts 17:11Genesis 35:18Genesis 3:161 Chronicles 7:23Genesis 34:19

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