Jabez

Etymology

Jabez is a male name derived from the Hebrew ya'betz (יַעְבֵּץ), meaning "sorrow" or "he makes sorrowful." In the Old Testament, specifically 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, Jabez is introduced as a man whose mother named him thus because his birth was painful. Despite the sorrowful connotations of his name, he became known for his prayer to God for blessing and enlargement of territory, which was granted.

Notable Bearers

The name appears among several prominent historical figures, particularly in the English-speaking world in the 19th century. Jabez Balfour (1843–1916) was a British businessman, politician, and notorious fraudster. Jabez A. Bostwick (1830–1892) was an American businessman and a founding partner of Standard Oil. Jabez Bowen (1739–1815) served as an American politician and jurist from Rhode Island. Jabez Bryce (1935–2010) was the Anglican Archbishop of Polynesia and the first Pacific Islander to become an Anglican bishop. Jabez Bunting (1779–1858) was an influential English Methodist leader. Jabez Burns (1805–1876) was an English nonconformist divine and writer. Jabez Coon (1869–1935) was an Australian politician. Jabez L. M. Curry (1825–1903) was an American politician, lawyer, and soldier.

Cultural Significance

In modern times, the name Jabez gained renewed interest through the 1998 book The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson, which popularized the biblical character's plea for God's blessing and inspired many to adopt or consider the name.

• Meaning: "Sorrow" (Hebrew)
• Origin: Hebrew
• Type: First name
• Usage: English Bible