The section about Jabez stands alone, allowing the Chronicler to explain his name's origin. Jabez is not mentioned earlier, although it is also the name of a town where some of Hur's son Salma's descendants lived (1 Chronicles 2:55). Jabez likely got his name because he caused his mother pain, fulfilling Eve's curse (Genesis 3:16). Despite his name being a curse, he was more honorable than his brothers, and his prayer changed his life's outcome. The prayer is poetic and includes a plea for blessing, along with requests for prosperity and protection from harm. His last request might mean "keep me from causing trouble and pain." God listened to his prayer and removed his curse.