Definition: And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 4:9. It’s a beautiful and poignant piece of scripture! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s blessing on a child named Jabez. It highlights how God sees and values a person, even when they face hardship. Let's unpack it word by word: “And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren” : "Honourable" means someone who is respected and admired. In this context, it suggests that Jabez possessed a good character – he was kind, righteous, and moral. He wasn’t just being nice; he was doing the right thing. “and his mother called his name Jabez” : His mother named him Jabez. This is significant because it's a traditional Hebrew name meaning "God is my judge." It's a declaration of faith – she believed God would protect and bless him. “saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.” : This is the really important part. "Bare him with sorrow" means that his mother was grieving because she had to watch her son experience hardship – perhaps he was born into a difficult situation or faced challenges. She wasn't rejoicing in his birth; she was mourning for him. Putting it all together: The verse tells us that Jabez was a good person, and his mother loved him so much that she named him Jabez because she felt sorrow for him. It’s a powerful message about God’s love, compassion, and the importance of recognizing and comforting those who are suffering. It suggests that God's grace is often offered even when things are tough. In essence, this verse emphasizes that God values goodness and mercy, and he sees our struggles as opportunities for him to bless us. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of a particular concept within this verse (like "sorrow" or "honour")?