Lexical Definition
יַעְבֵּץ Yaʻbêts (yah-bates') Jabez N:N--L
from an unused root probably meaning to grieve; sorrowful
Jabez.
- § Jabez = "sorrow"
- Jabets, the name of an Israelite, and also of a place in Palestine
n pr m
1) the head of a Calebite family
n pr loc
2) a town in Judah apparently near Bethlehem
Extended Information
- A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.4.9
- son of: Koz (קוֹץ)
- brother of: Anub (עָנוּב), Zobebah (צֹבֵבָה) and Harum (הָרֻם)
Brown-Driver-Briggs
יַעְבֵּץ proper name
1. masculine person Jabez, a man of the Calebites, 1Chr 4:9 (twice in verse); 1Chr 4:10 (where interpreted as akin to עצב; on position of this family compare MeyJudenthum 118); ᵐ5 Ιγαβης A Ιαγβης, Γαβης, GL Ιαβιης, Ιαβηλ, Ιαβεις.
2. location in Judah, apparently near Bethlehem 1Chr 2:55 (compare v1Chr 2:54); ᵐ5 Γαμες A Γαβης ᵐ5L Ιαβις.
Brown-Driver-Briggs References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| 1 Chronicles | 2:54 · 2:55 · 4:9 · 4:10 |
Profile
Male • Son of Koz • More honorable than his brothers; God granted his prayer.
Man living at the time of Divided Monarchy
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 (1Ch.4.9-10).
- A man from the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.4.9;
- only referred to as Jabez יַעְבֵּץ;
- son of Koz קוֹץ;
- a brother of Anub עָנוּב, Zobebah צֹבֵבָה and Harum הָרֻם.
Jabez is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 as a descendant of Judah. He is described as being more honorable than his brothers, though the reason for this distinction is not given.
The passage records a prayer of Jabez, in which he cries out to the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!" (1Ch.4.10, ESV). The chronicler then notes that God granted his request.
This brief account of Jabez provides a glimpse into the personal faith and prayer life of an individual during the time of the chronicler. Jabez's prayer reflects a desire for God's blessing, protection, and provision. His request for enlarged borders may indicate a desire for increased territory or influence.
The fact that God granted Jabez's request suggests that his prayer was sincere and in line with God's will. This account serves as an encouragement to readers to bring their own requests to God in faith, trusting in His goodness and care.
All entries for Jabez: יַעְבֵּץ