The Prayer of Jabez
The Prayer of Jabez appears in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 amid lengthy genealogies of Judah, where Jabez is singled out as more honorable than his brothers and linked to a name meaning pain due to his mother's difficult labor. He offered a brief prayer requesting that God bless him, enlarge his territory, keep His hand upon him, and protect him from evil and harm, after which Scripture states that God granted the request. This brief account stands out in its Old Testament context by showing how one person's faithful petition can interrupt routine historical records and receive direct divine response. Its significance lies in modeling bold, specific prayer for blessing and guidance that has influenced later teachings on seeking God's active involvement in daily life.
Details
- Category
- Petition
- Prayed by
- Jabez
Key Passages
The Prayer
1 Chronicles 4:10
10nd 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.
Did You Know?
The prayer of Jabez is only 2 verses (1 Chronicles 4:9-10) buried in a genealogy list.
His name means 'pain'. His mother named him for the pain of his birth.
God granted his request. One of the few prayers explicitly said to be answered in full.
Despite his painful name, Jabez was 'more honorable than his brothers.'