1 Chronicles 4:10
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.
1 Chronicles 4:10 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, Jabez is calling upon the God of Israel to bless him, increase his territory, be with him, and keep him from harm. This shows Jabez's humility and dependence on God for all his needs. By asking for God's blessing and protection, Jabez demonstrates his faith and trust in God's ability to provide for him. The phrase "enlarge my coast" can be interpreted as a request for God to expand Jabez's influence or reach, allowing him to have a greater impact in his community or beyond. By asking for God's hand to be with him, Jabez acknowledges his need for God's guidance and support in his daily life. Lastly, by asking God to keep him from evil, Jabez shows his desire to live a righteous and godly life. Ultimately, God grants Jabez's requests, showing that he is a loving and generous God who listens to the prayers of his faithful followers.
Theological Overview
Within this verse, we see Jabez's prayer to the God of Israel for blessing, expansion of his territory, divine presence, protection from harm, and freedom from pain. The theological interpretation of this prayer reveals Jabez's deep reliance on God for every aspect of his life. The phrase "enlarge my coast" can be understood as a request for God to increase his influence and territory, both physically and spiritually. Jabez's plea for God's hand to be with him expresses his desire for divine guidance and support in all his endeavors. Additionally, his petition to be kept from evil underscores his recognition of the importance of God's protection from the harmful influences of the world. Ultimately, Jabez's faith and trust in God's ability to grant his request are rewarded, as God fulfills his prayer and grants him his heart's desire. This verse serves as a reminder of the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God to those who seek Him.
1 Chronicles 4:10 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my border, and that thy hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it be not to my sorrow! And God granted him that which he requested.
World English Bible
Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that it not be to my sorrow!” God granted him that which he requested.
Douay-Rheims
And Jabes called upon the God of Israel, saying: If blessing thou wilt bless me, and wilt enlarge my borders, and thy hand be with me, and thou save me from being oppressed by evil. And God granted him the things he prayed for.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Iabez called on the God of Israel, saying, If thou wilt blesse me in deede, and enlarge my coastes, and if thine hand be with me, and thou wilt cause me to be deliuered from euill, that I be not hurt. And God graunted the thing that he asked.