1 Chronicles 4:9

Authorized King James Version

And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֣י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
יַעְבֵּץ֙
And Jabez
jabets, the name of an israelite, and also of a place in palestine
#3
נִכְבָּ֖ד
was more honourable
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
#4
מֵֽאֶחָ֑יו
than his brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#5
וְאִמּ֗וֹ
and his mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#6
קָֽרְאָ֨ה
called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#7
שְׁמ֤וֹ
his name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#8
יַעְבֵּץ֙
And Jabez
jabets, the name of an israelite, and also of a place in palestine
#9
לֵאמֹ֔ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
יָלַ֖דְתִּי
Because I bare
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#12
בְּעֹֽצֶב׃
him with sorrow
an (idolatrous) image

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Chronicles. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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