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H67 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אָבֵל מִצְרַיִם
Abel Mitsrayim
Proper noun, place
Abel Mizraim

Definition

Abel Mitsrayim means "meadow of Egypt" or "mourning of Egypt." It is a place at the threshing floor of Atad, east of the Jordan, where the Egyptians and Israelites mourned deeply for the patriarch Jacob.

Usage & Theological Significance

The double meaning of abel — meadow and mourning — creates a wordplay in Genesis 50. The Canaanites witnessed the great mourning of Egypt and named the place accordingly: the mourning of Egypt. Jacob's death becomes a public testimony, drawing even Egypt's attention to the God-honoring grief of His people. It also points toward the Exodus — a nation that once mourned for Israel's patriarch would one day mourn as Israel departed.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 50:11 When the Canaanites who lived there saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they said, 'The Egyptians are holding a solemn ceremony of mourning.' That is why that place near the Jordan is called Abel Mizraim.
Genesis 50:7 So Joseph went up to bury his father. All Pharaoh's officials accompanied him — the dignitaries of his court and all the dignitaries of Egypt.
Genesis 50:10 When they reached the threshing floor of Atad, near the Jordan, they lamented loudly and bitterly; and there Joseph observed a seven-day period of mourning for his father.
Genesis 49:33 When Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last and was gathered to his people.
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Related Words

External Resources

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