Lexical Summary Yabets: Jabez Original Word: יַעְבֵּץ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jabets, an Israelite, and also of a place in PalestineFrom an unused root probably meaning to grieve; sorrowful; Jabets, the name of an Israelite, and also of a place in Palestine: NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a desc. of Judah, also a place in Judah NASB Translation Jabez (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs יַעְבֵּץ proper name 1. masculine person Jabez, a man of the Calebites, 1 Chronicles 4:9 (twice in verse); 1 Chronicles 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 1 Chronicles 2:55 (compare 1 Chronicles 2:54); ᵐ5 Γαμες A Γαβης ᵐ5L Ιαβις. Topical Lexicon Name and Context Jabez (יַעְבֵּץ, Strong’s Hebrew 3258) appears in two distinct settings within the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles: as a noteworthy individual in the line of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:9-10) and as a town associated with families of scribes (1 Chronicles 2:55). Although the occurrences are few, they have generated enduring interest because of the unique notice given to the man’s prayer and the specialized community located at the town that bore the same name. Biblical Appearances 1 Chronicles 2:55 – The text names “the families of the scribes who lived at Jabez,” listing descendants of Hammath, Rechab, and the Tirathites, Shimeathites, and Sucathites. 1 Chronicles 4:9 – “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers.” 1 Chronicles 4:10 – Jabez’s petition: “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh, that You would bless me indeed 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.” Historical Setting Genealogies in 1 Chronicles were compiled after the Babylonian exile to affirm tribal identities and covenant continuity. Within Judah’s lineage the Chronicler pauses to highlight Jabez, indicating that his reputation transcended routine record keeping. The designation of a town named Jabez, inhabited by guilds of scribes, further connects the name to a sphere of learning and covenant preservation. These scribes, descended from the Kenites (notably related to Moses’ father-in-law by marriage), perpetuated textual transmission and legal instruction in Judah. Their placement at Jabez suggests that the locale became an educational or copyist center, ensuring accurate custody of the Scriptures for subsequent generations. Character and Spiritual Significance The Chronicler singles out Jabez as “more honorable than his brothers,” implying integrity, piety, and covenant faithfulness. His name, sounding like the Hebrew for “pain,” reflects the circumstances of his birth (“because I bore him in pain,” 1 Chronicles 4:9). Rather than allowing that stigma to define him, Jabez turns to the God of Israel with a four-fold request: 1. Blessing beyond measure (“bless me indeed”). God’s immediate answer underscores covenant grace and invites subsequent generations to approach Him with bold, faith-filled petitions grounded in His promises. Theological Themes 1. Covenant blessing: Jabez anchors his prayer in God’s favor, echoing Patriarchal promises of land and blessing (Genesis 12:1-3). Impact on Ministry and Devotional Life Jabez’s prayer has long served as a model for personal and corporate supplication. It encourages believers to seek: Scribes at the town of Jabez demonstrate the importance of faithful stewards who preserve and transmit God’s Word. Contemporary ministry applications include theological education, Bible translation, and discipleship training—ventures that safeguard sound doctrine and propagate Scriptural truth across generations. Legacy Though embedded in seemingly routine genealogies, Jabez stands as a paradigm of honorable living and audacious prayer, while the city of Jabez highlights the strategic role of dedicated scribes in maintaining the written revelation. Together they call the people of God to honor, preserve, and boldly appropriate the covenant blessings recorded in Scripture. Forms and Transliterations יַ֠עְבֵּץ יַעְבֵּ֔ץ יַעְבֵּץ֙ יעבץ ya‘·bêṣ ya‘bêṣ yaBetzLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 2:55 HEB: (יֹשְׁבֵ֣י ק) יַעְבֵּ֔ץ תִּרְעָתִ֥ים שִׁמְעָתִ֖ים NAS: who lived at Jabez [were] the Tirathites, KJV: which dwelt at Jabez; the Tirathites, INT: of the scribes abide Jabez the Tirathites the Shimeathites 1 Chronicles 4:9 1 Chronicles 4:9 1 Chronicles 4:10 4 Occurrences |
    |