Lexical Summary Abel Mitsrayim: Abel of Egypt Original Word: אָבֵל מִצְרַיִם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Abel-mizraim From 'abel and Mitsrayim; meadow of Egypt; Abel-Mitsrajim, a place in Palestine -- Abel-mizraim. see HEBREW 'abel see HEBREW Mitsrayim NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom abel and Mitsrayim Definition "meadow of Egypt," a place E. of the Jordan NASB Translation Abel-mizraim (1). Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning A compound toponym meaning either “Meadow of Egypt” or, by word-play, “Mourning of Egypt.” The pun joins the Hebrew root for “languid grieving” with the national name Mizraim. Both senses coexist in the narrative: a stretch of lowland near the Jordan becomes the stage for national lamentation. Biblical Setting Genesis 50 records the lone occurrence. After Jacob died in Goshen, Joseph organized a stately cortege—“all Pharaoh’s officials, the elders of his household and all the elders of the land of Egypt” (Genesis 50:7-9). On reaching “the threshing floor of Atad,” the company kept a seven-day lament. The Canaanites, astonished at the Egyptian display, exclaimed, “This is a solemn mourning for the Egyptians.” Hence the place received its name Abel-mizraim (Genesis 50:11). Geographical Considerations The site is “across the Jordan,” normally understood as east of the river, opposite Jericho and slightly north. Its proximity to major trade routes explains how a large Egyptian entourage could reach it. A threshing floor—a raised, windswept platform—provided an open public space where wailing could be seen and heard afar, reinforcing the notoriety of the mourning. Cultural and Theological Significance 1. Cross-cultural homage: Egypt, the super-power of the age, pauses to honor a patriarch of the covenant people. The moment previews the promise that “all peoples on earth will be blessed” through Abraham’s line (Genesis 12:3). Prophetic and Typological Insights Abel-mizraim stands on the verge of the land yet outside it. So too Israel would sojourn in Egypt, depart with Egyptian treasures, and mourn in wilderness thresholds before entering Canaan. Jacob’s burial procession foreshadows the Exodus: a mixed multitude leaves Egypt, crosses the borderlands, and heads for the promised tomb/country (compare Hebrews 11:22). Lessons for Ministry • Funerals can become evangelistic moments. Visible, reverent grieving drew outsiders to inquire. Related Scriptures Genesis 50:1-14; Exodus 13:19; Joshua 24:32; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14. Forms and Transliterations מִצְרַ֔יִם מצרים miṣ·ra·yim miṣrayim mitzRayimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 50:11 HEB: שְׁמָהּ֙ אָבֵ֣ל מִצְרַ֔יִם אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּעֵ֥בֶר NAS: it was named Abel-mizraim, which KJV: was called Abelmizraim, which [is] beyond INT: was called of it Abel-mizraim which is beyond 1 Occurrence |
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