67. Abel Mitsrayim
Lexical Summary
Abel Mitsrayim: Abel of Egypt

Original Word: אָבֵל מִצְרַיִם
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: Abel Mitsrayim
Pronunciation: ah-VEL mits-RAH-yeem
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-bale' mits-rah'-yim)
KJV: Abel-mizraim
NASB: Abel-mizraim
Word Origin: [from H58 (אָבֵל - Mourning) and H4714 (מִצרַיִם - Egypt)]

1. meadow of Egypt
2. Abel-Mitsrajim, a place in Israel

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 Origin
from 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).
2. Honor of parents: Joseph’s careful fulfillment of Jacob’s burial request illustrates obedience to the fifth commandment before Sinai was given.
3. Formal lament: The seven-day mourning anticipates Israel’s later cultic periods of grief (Job 2:13; Ezekiel 3:15). Scripture validates the open expression of sorrow while anchoring hope in God’s covenant faithfulness.
4. Witness to Canaanites: The inhabitants “saw” and commented (Genesis 50:11). The public grief testified that the God of Jacob was worthy of national respect, sowing seeds for future fear of Israel (Exodus 15:14-16).

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.
• Believers honor God by honoring family commitments beyond national or ethnic boundaries.
• The church may cooperate with secular authorities (Joseph and Pharaoh) without compromising allegiance to God’s promises.
• Place-names can memorialize God’s acts; remembering locations of divine faithfulness nurtures future trust.

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 mitzRayim
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman'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

Strong's Hebrew 67
1 Occurrence


miṣ·ra·yim — 1 Occ.

66
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