Jabez (biblical figure)

In 1 Chronicles, Jabez is a well-respected man (ancestor in the lineage of the kings' tribe of Judah) whose prayer to God for blessing was answered (see 1 Chronicles 4:9-4:11). Moreover, the author paused in this long list to give Jabez a place of honour in the long list of Kings and lineage.

The name Jabez is Hebrew (yabetz = יַעְבֵּץ) for "distress or pain"; his mother stated "I gave birth to him in pain". Jabez was labelled with "sorrow" at birth, but his prayer against contracting sorrow nullified the label. His life contradicted his name.

Jabez is also mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:55, possibly as a place name.