And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.
Ver. 9. And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren.] Propter opes, saith Piscator, for his wealth; for his holiness rather, see Isa 43:4 or for his valour and learning, tam Marte quam Mercurio, if he were that renowned Othniel, Jdg 1:13 as some make him to be: others, Othniel's brother. 1Ch 4:13 In his city, called by his name Jabez, dwelt scribes, 1Ch 2:55 hence Vatablus concludeth that he was doctor insignis. a
And his mother called him Jabez,] b i.e., Dolorificum; a dear, but doleful child to her, a son of her sorrows, because she had a hard bargain, as they call it, when she brought him forth; and haply died of him, as Rachel did of her Benoni. His father might change his name to Othniel.
a Clarissimus fuit propter foritudinem; deinde doctor fuit. - Lavat.
b Jangbets, for Jangtseb; of gnetseb, pain, grief.