1 Chronicles 4 holds the most famous prayer in the genealogies: Jabez, born into sorrow, called on God for blessing, enlarged borders, and kept from evil - and God granted it.

Full sung version coming soon.

Lyrics

The sons of Judah Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal

Jabez was more honourable than his brothers His mother named him Jabez, saying Because I bore him with sorrow I bore him with sorrow

Jabez called on the God of Israel Oh that you would bless me indeed Enlarge my border, Lord May your hand be with me May you keep me from evil That I may not cause pain

God granted him that which he requested God granted him that which he requested

The prayer of Jabez The blessing granted From sorrow to honour The heart heard

Chelub the brother of Shuhah became the father of Mehir Eshton became the father of Beth Rapha and Paseah Tehinnah the father of Ir Nahash These are the men of Recah The sons of Kenaz, Othniel and Seraiah Hathath his son

The names continue Caleb, Jehallelel, Ezrah Jether, Mered, Epher, Jalon The families spreading Each generation faithful

The sons of Simeon, Nemuel and Jamin Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul Shallum his son, Mibsam his son Mishma his son, Hammuel his son Zaccur his son, and Shimei his son Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters

Jabez the man of sorrow Jabez the honourable The blessing granted The heart heard

Listen

1 Chronicles 4 sung by Psalm Selah. The whole Bible, one chapter at a time.

Published 2026-05-22 · Last updated 2026-06-06
Written by Reid Wender, Editorial Director at Psalmody Press