Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Chronicles 4:9

"And Jabez was more honorable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow." — 1 Chronicles 4:9 (ASV)

More honourable than his brethren. — Compare what is said of Hamor son of Shechem in Genesis 34:19.

His brethren. — Perhaps the sons of Coz. The form of the Hebrew verb implies connection with 1 Chronicles 4:8.

His mother called his name ... — Compare Genesis 29:32-35, and especially Genesis 35:18.

With sorrow. — Rather, pain.