Jabez was more distinguished (honored, respected, had more dignity) than his brothers; his mother had named him Jabez [Hebr. Jabets; similar to the word for pain], for she said, "I gave birth to him in pain (Hebr. otsev)."
Jabez cried out (prayed, invoked) to the God of Israel (Elohim) and said:
If only you would bless me greatly
expand my territory (my border).
Let your hand be with me (let me be close to you)
keep me from evil, so that I may not cause myself pain." God did as he requested (desired).
