Jabez’s Prayer

Jabez was likely a descendant of Koz. Jewish tradition identifies him with Othniel, the son of Kenaz (Talmud, Temurah 16a:14), suggesting that his mastery of the Law attracted “families of scribes” (1 Chronicles 2:55) to dwell in his city (Midrash Tanchuma, Yitro, Siman 4:1).

Jabez’s prayer is found within a genealogical record: “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, ‘Because I bore him in pain.’ Jabez called upon 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 and pain!’ And God granted what he asked” (1 Chronicles 4:9-10).

Little is known about Jabez, apart from his lineage from Judah, his honorable character, and his mother naming him Jabez (meaning “sorrowful” or “he causes pain”) due to the pain of his birth. In his prayer, Jabez cried out to God for protection and blessing, asking God to keep him from the sorrow his name recalled and foreshadowed. He did not want the “pain” his mother spoke of to become his own destiny, nor did he want the name “Jabez” to be a curse. “And God granted what he asked.”

The people returning from exile, much like Jabez, had experienced a “painful” new beginning. Therefore, a special insertion of Jabez’s prayer is found in this genealogy, encouraging the people to, like Jabez, recognize their identity as God’s chosen people by faith, cling to God’s promises in their sorrow, and expand their territory amidst surrounding enemies.