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1 Chronicles 4

1 Chronicles 4:10

The Prayer of Jabez · 1 Chronicles 4:9–10
Read 1 Chronicles 4

Translations

Modern
And Jabez called out to the God of Israel, “If only You would bless me and enlarge my territory! May Your hand be with me and keep me from harm, so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted the request of Jabez.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And Jabez called out to the God of Israel, saying, “If only You would greatly bless me and enlarge my territory! And may Your hand be with me, that You would keep me from evil, not to grieve me.” And God brought in for him that which he asked.
Latin
Invocavit vero Jabes Deum Israël, dicens: Si benedicens benedixeris mihi, et dilataveris terminos meos, et fuerit manus tua mecum, et feceris me a malitia non opprimi. Et præstitit Deus quæ precatus est.

Original

Hebrew
English
And Jabez called out to the God of Israel, “If only You would bless me and enlarge my territory! May Your hand be with me and keep me from harm, so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted the request of Jabez.

Notes

1 Chronicles 4:9–10

The section about Jabez stands alone, allowing the Chronicler to explain his name's origin. Jabez is not mentioned earlier, although it is also the name of a town where some of Hur's son Salma's descendants lived (1 Chronicles 2:55). Jabez likely got his name because he caused his mother pain, fulfilling Eve's curse (Genesis 3:16). Despite his name being a curse, he was more honorable than his brothers, and his prayer changed his life's outcome. The prayer is poetic and includes a plea for blessing, along with requests for prosperity and protection from harm. His last request might mean "keep me from causing trouble and pain." God listened to his prayer and removed his curse.

1 Chronicles 4:9–20

The exact family trees of Judah's remaining descendants are unknown. The Chronicler likely had incomplete information.

Theme notes and profiles

Ancestors of Jesus

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Jabez: More honorable than his brothers; God granted his prayer

Glossary

Beth-Rapha Chronicles, Books of First and Second Chronology of the Bible (Old Testament) Genealogy Jabez (Person)

Topics

Answers To Prayer: Jabez Blessing: Temporal, Prayer For Jabez: The Head of a Family Prayer of Jabez Prayer: Answered: Jabez, Asking for Prosperity Praying for Yourself Religion: Outstanding Religious Persons: Jabez