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.

1 CHRONICLES 4:10KJV
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1 Chronicles 4:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 4:10 mean?

1 Chronicles 4:10 describes Jabez praying to the God of Israel, asking for blessing, for his territory to be enlarged, for God's hand to be with him, and for protection from evil so that he would not experience pain. The verse ends by saying that God granted Jabez what he requested.

In this verse, Jabez is speaking directly to God in prayer. The setting is a genealogy listing in 1 Chronicles, but Jabez stands out because of his heartfelt request. The verse highlights Jabez’s desire for God’s favor, guidance, and protection, and notes that God responded positively to his prayer.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 4:10

  • "Bless" (בָּרַךְ, barakh): This word is repeated for emphasis in the Hebrew, often understood as "bless me indeed" or "truly bless me." The doubling shows Jabez’s deep longing for God's favor.
  • "Enlarge" (רָבָה, ravah): This word means to make great or increase, here referring to expanding Jabez’s "coast" (גְּבוּל, gevul), which means his territory or borders. Jabez is asking for growth in his life and responsibilities.
  • "Hand" (יָד, yad): In Hebrew, "hand" often symbolizes power, presence, or guidance. Jabez wants God’s active help and presence with him.
  • "Evil" (רַע, ra): Jabez asks to be kept from harm or trouble, not just moral evil but anything that might cause him pain or sorrow. The word for "grieve" (עָצַב, atzav) connects to the pain or distress Jabez wants to avoid.

Why 1 Chronicles 4:10 matters

  • This verse shows that even in a long list of names, the Bible sometimes pauses to highlight a person’s relationship with God, making Jabez’s prayer stand out.
  • The verse clarifies that it is not wrong to ask God for blessing, growth, or protection, as long as the request is sincere and recognizes God’s power.
  • Jabez’s prayer is presented as an example of faith and dependence on God, and the fact that God granted his request shows God’s willingness to respond to heartfelt prayers.

Where else these words appear

“Jabez” Hebrew H3258 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 2:55 And the families of the scribes which dwelt at Jabez; the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and Suchathites. These are the Kenites that came of Hemath, the father of the house of Rechab.
  • 1 Chronicles 4:9 And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.

“grieve” Hebrew H6087 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 6:6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
  • 2 Samuel 19:2 And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son.
  • Psalms 56:5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.

“that” Hebrew H518 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
  • Numbers 14:35 I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.
  • 2 Samuel 17:13 Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.