Jabez
Pronounced JAY-bez
- Meaning
- "He causes pain; Sorrowful"
- Origin
- Hebrew
Jabez means "he causes pain" or "sorrowful" in Hebrew — a name given by his mother because she bore him in pain. Yet Jabez refused to be defined by his painful name. His prayer, recorded in 1 Chronicles 4:10, became one of the most famous prayers in Scripture. Jabez prayed: "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 remarkably, "God granted him that which he requested." Jabez's story demonstrates that our given labels and circumstances do not determine our destiny. By turning to God in faith, Jabez transcended his name's meaning and became "more honourable than his brethren." His brief mention carries immense theological weight.
Spiritual meaning
Jabez's story is the ultimate name-reversal. Born in pain, he prayed his way into honor and blessing. His life proves that we are not imprisoned by our origins — bold prayer can rewrite our story.
Related verses (KJV)
"And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow."
1 Chronicles 4:9 (KJV) →"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."
1 Chronicles 4:10 (KJV) →