1 Chronicles 4:9
Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.”
What it says
Jabez is described as more honorable than his brothers, and his name is explained through his mother’s painful childbirth.
What it is doing
It introduces Jabez as a distinct figure and frames his story through the meaning of his name.
In context
9Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” 10And Jabez called out to the God of Israel, “If only You would bless me and enlarge my territory! May Your hand be with me and keep me from harm, so that I will be free from pain.”