1 Chronicles 4:10

Authorized King James Version

And 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקְרָ֣א

H7121

called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

יַ֠עְבֵּץ

H3258

And Jabez

jabets, the name of an israelite, and also of a place in palestine

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

me! And God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לֵאמֹ֗ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

אִם

H518

Oh that

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תְּבָרֲכֵ֜נִי

H1288

me indeed

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

תְּבָרֲכֵ֜נִי

H1288

me indeed

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

וְהִרְבִּ֤יתָ

H7235

and enlarge

to increase (in whatever respect)

#10

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

גְּבוּלִי֙

H1366

my coast

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

#12

וְהָֽיְתָ֤ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#13

יָֽדְךָ֙

H3027

and that thine hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#14

עִמִּ֔י

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#15

וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ

H6213

might be with me and that thou wouldest keep

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#16

מֵּֽרָעָ֖ה

H7451

me from evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#17

לְבִלְתִּ֣י

H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

#18

עָצְבִּ֑י

H6087

that it may not grieve

properly, to carve, i.e., fabricate or fashion

#19

וַיָּבֵ֥א

H935

granted

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#20

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

me! And God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#21

אֵ֥ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#22

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#23

שָׁאָֽל׃

H7592

him that which he requested

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Chronicles.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?