And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.
Jabez was more respected and honorable than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez, saying, 'I gave birth to him in great pain and sorrow.'
This verse introduces Jabez as someone who became more honorable than his family members, despite being given a name that reflected his mother's painful childbirth experience.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of 1 Chronicles, which is part of the Old Testament's historical books compiling the genealogies of Israel's tribes, Jabez is briefly mentioned in the lineage of Judah as a figure who stood out for his honor. His mother named him Jabez, meaning "he causes pain," because she experienced sorrow during his birth, reflecting ancient Near Eastern customs where names often symbolized personal or familial hardships. This verse appears in a larger list of descendants, emphasizing how individual stories within genealogies could highlight God's work in ordinary lives.
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