Jabez

In the I Book of Chronicles Jabez is a well-respected man (ancestor in the lineage of the kings tribe of Judah whose prayer to God for blessing was answered, see 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. Moreover the author paused in this long list to give Jabez a place of honour in the long list of Kings and lineage.

This short passage of scripture came to the attention of millions of Christians following the publication of the book The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson, in which he encouraged Christians to pray the way Jabez did.

The name "Jabez" sounds like the Hebrew word for "pain", and was given to him because of the pain his mother suffered while bearing him; whether the pain was a result of the birth or coincided with the birth is unclear. It is speculated that, because Jabez was named by his mother, that there was no father in his life. Therefore, such birth out of wedlock would have been the source of pain and shame in Hebrew culture of the time. Hence the name. Whatever the interpretation, the prayer of Jabez has served both as a puzzle and also as an inspiration and model for some Christians. Jabez quite probably overcame adverse circumstances of birth to achieve a place of honor in his ancient society.

Jabez is also mentioned in 1 Chronicles. 2:55, possibly as a place name.

The small town of Jabez, Kentucky is surrounded on three sides by the beautiful Lake Cumberland. The town is also is the home of the Kentucky Leadership Center.

The real name of prominent Hip-Hop artist, Dirk the Daring, is Jabez, presumably after the prayer.