1 Chronicles 4:9-10 New International Version
9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez,[a] saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” 10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.
Jabez occurred one other place in the bible
1 Chronicles 2:55: It refers to a town or location where several families of scribes lived.
The record of the genealogy of Judah was interrupted to share about Jabez.
His relationship with God must have been exceptionally close to causing the author of Chronicles to stop and elaborate on this one man’s life.
Jabez was more honorable: honor came not from wealth, but from his decision to seek God’s will over his own circumstances.
“And enlarge my territory.” - Jabez is not after physical territory; he wants to make an impact on God’s kingdom.
“and that your hand might be with me” Jabez realized that he had limitations as a person, He asked for God’s "hand"—symbolizing divine power, guidance, and presence—to sustain him in his new responsibilities.
The blessings of this life are a gift from God; without His guidance, nothing good can come from them.
"Keep me from evil"
This was a request for protection from harm and temptation. Crucially, some scholars suggest he was asking God to keep him from causing pain to others, thereby breaking the "curse" of his name.