יַעְבֵּץ (ya.bets)

ya.bets

Jabez

H3258 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

N:N--L

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 3 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N--L

Word Overview

The name Yaḇets carries the meaning "sorrow." It appears only three times in Scripture, primarily within the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles. The text identifies two distinct uses for this proper noun: a man who was a prominent member of the Calebite family in Judah, and a town located in that same region, likely near Bethlehem.

The most significant mention is the man Yaḇets, whose life story offers a striking contrast between his name and his destiny. Despite a name suggesting pain or grief, he received divine favor and expansion of his territory (1 Chronicles 4:9-10). This narrative highlights how identity and outcome in Scripture are not always defined by initial circumstances or names.

The brevity of the references underscores the specific nature of these entries. They serve to anchor a particular family line and a geographic location within the broader history of Judah, reminding readers that even brief mentions carry theological weight regarding God’s interaction with individuals and places.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Jabez means sorrow, yet his story shows how God can turn grief into grace. His mother named him this because she bore him with pain, a heavy burden for any child to carry. Yet Scripture records that he was more honorable than his brothers, suggesting that our past or our parents’ struggles do not define our future in God’s eyes.

When Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, he did not ask for perfection but for blessing and protection. He asked God to enlarge his border and keep him from harm so he would not cause pain. This simple prayer reminds us that we can bring our fears and limitations directly to God. He hears those who seek His help with honest hearts.

God granted Jabez’s request, showing that He cares about the details of our lives. Your name or your history may not tell the whole story of who you are becoming. In Christ, every sorrow can be met with divine favor and expansion of purpose.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Jabez3×
of Jabez1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

יַעְבֵּ֔ץ2×
יַעְבֵּץ֙1×
יַ֠עְבֵּץ1×

Key Verses

I Chronicles 4:9
Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him with sorrow.”

This verse explains the origin of the name Jabez as 'sorrow' due to his mother's pain during childbirth, setting up the contrast with his later honor.
I Chronicles 4:10
Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my border! May your hand be with me, and may you keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” God granted him that which he requested.

Here Jabez prays for blessing and protection from evil so he would not cause pain, and God grants his request, demonstrating divine favor despite his name's meaning.
I Chronicles 2:55
The families of scribes who lived at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and the Sucathites. These are the Kenites who came from Hammath, the father of the house of Rechab.

This reference identifies Jabez as a location where scribes lived, showing the name also marks a specific community within Calebite territory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Jabez mean?

The name Jabez (ya.bets) means sorrow or pain. It comes from the Hebrew root associated with bitterness, reflecting his mother's statement that she bore him with sorrow.

Why is Jabez important in the Bible?

Jabez is significant because his story shows God’s grace overriding a name that meant sorrow. Despite his painful birth, he was honored by God when he prayed for blessing and protection, demonstrating that God responds to sincere faith.

Where does Jabez appear in Scripture?

Jabez appears in 1 Chronicles 2:55 as a place where scribes lived, and in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 as a man from the tribe of Judah. These are his only mentions in the Bible.

Did Jabez's name come true?

Initially, his name seemed to predict a life of sorrow, but it did not define his destiny. Instead, God honored him and granted his prayer for blessing, showing that divine favor can transform even difficult beginnings.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

I Chronicles 3 verses

I Chronicles 2:55

The families of scribes who lived at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and the Sucathites. These are the Kenites…

I Chronicles 4:9

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him with sorrow.”

I Chronicles 4:10

Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my border! May your hand be…