1 Chronicles 4:9

King James Version (KJV)

And Jabez was more honorable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.

Translations

1 Chronicles 4:9 - Amplified Bible

Jabez was honorable above his brothers; but his mother named him Jabez [sorrow maker], saying, Because I bore him in pain.

1 Chronicles 4:9 - American Standard Version

And Jabez was more honorable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.

1 Chronicles 4:9 - Bible in Basic English

And Jabez was honoured more than his brothers; but his mother had given him the name Jabez, saying, Because I gave birth to him with sorrow.

1 Chronicles 4:9 - Darby Bible

And Jabez was more honoured than his brethren; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bore him with pain.

1 Chronicles 4:9 - English Standard Version

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, "Because I bore him in pain."

1 Chronicles 4:9 - King James Version

And Jabez was more honorable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.

1 Chronicles 4:9 - La Biblia de las Americas

Y Jabes fue más ilustre que sus hermanos, y su madre lo llamò Jabes, diciendo: Porque lo di a luz con dolor.

1 Chronicles 4:9 - The Message

Jabez was a better man than his brothers, a man of honor. His mother had named him Jabez (Oh, the pain!), saying, "A painful birth! I bore him in great pain!" Jabez prayed to the God of Israel: "Bless me, O bless me! Give me land, large tracts of land. And provide your personal protection—don’t let evil hurt me." God gave him what he asked.

1 Chronicles 4:9 - New American Standard Bible

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother named him Jabez saying, "Because I bore {him} with pain."

1 Chronicles 4:9 - Nueva Biblia Latinoamericana de Hoy

Jabes fue más ilustre que sus hermanos, y su madre lo llamò Jabes, diciendo: "Porque lo di a luz con dolor."

1 Chronicles 4:9 - World English Bible

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers: and his mother named him Jabez, saying, Because I bore him with sorrow.

1 Chronicles 4:9 - Young's Living Translation

And Jabez is honoured above his brethren, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, `Because I have brought forth with grief.`

1 Chronicles 4:9 - Additional Comments

The word here for 'pain' or 'sorrow' has the same root word as in Gen 3:16. All children are borne with pain, with sorrow (Gen 3:16 - to all women, in sorrow shall they bring forth children), but some with much more sorrow than others. Typically the pain is soon forgotten because of the joy (John 16:21), but that is not the case with Jabez, as shown by the name given him, which typically took place at the circumcision. It was so extreme that they chose for it to be remembered throughout his life.
Some other names given in the Bible:
Gen 5:29, Noah, comfort amidst turmoil -- Exo 2:10, Moses, drawn out of the water
1 Sam 1:20, Samuel, an answer from God -- Matt 1:21, Jesus, Jehovah is salvation
Here are some actual American Indian names: Little Smoke, Sweetwater, Woman holder, Horsefly, Old Hoe, Big Dirt, Young Rock, Big-acorn, The Cloud, Fire, Mouse, Dull Hoe, The Glass, Beaver Carrier, The Wolf, The Shoe, Dry, Lying Fish, The Pigeon out of the water, Fence Maker, Snail, Rising Faun, Deer a coming, Snail, Candle, Jack Rabbit, Grasshopper, Otter Lifter, Twister, Bear Meat.
Some modern names and their meanings:
Shawn, God's Gracious Gift -- Fred, Peaceful Ruler -- Doug, Dark -- Herman, Warrior -- Brian, Strong -- Jeff, Peace Bringer
But the name is not Jabez' main legacy. It is that he was honorable, and it is his prayer (verse 10). What makes a person more honorable that others? It is whether that person is deserving of honor. So then, what makes a person worthy of honor? It depends on the one giving the honor. For Jabez, this tribute was Holy Spirit inspired, so it is God giving him the honor. God said He would honor those who honor Him (1 Sam 2:30).
How can we honor God? With our body (i.e. what we intake, including food) (1 Cor 6:19-20, Rom 12:1), with what our possessions and giving (Prov 3:9), by drawing close to God (Lev 10:3), by seeking the right things (Psa 4:2), by calling on God when in need (Psa 50:15), by thanking God (Psa 50:23), by being gracious to those in need (Prov 14:31), by spending time with God, especially with praise (Dan 4:37, Mal 2:2, 1 Tim 1:17), by honoring Jesus (John 5:23), in speech (James 1:26, Eph 4:29).

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