Jabez
Divided Kingdom
Tribe of Judah(?)
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H3258H
Jabez, who was more honorable than his brothers, cried out to God, who granted his request to enlarge his territory and keep him from harm.
Jabez was a man of Judah, described as 'more honorable than his brothers,' whose name—meaning 'pain' or 'sorrow'—reflected the painful circumstances of his birth (1 Chronicles 4:9–10). His brief but memorable prayer, asking God to bless him, enlarge his territory, keep God's hand with him, and keep him from harm so that pain would not grieve him, was answered by God. This passage has attracted significant popular and theological attention as an example of bold, faith-filled petition, illustrating that one's name or past circumstances need not determine one's future in relationship with God.