אָבֵל מִצְרַיִם (a.vel mits.ra.yim)
a.vel mits.ra.yim
Abel-mizraim
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The phrase Abel-mizraim translates to "meadow of Egypt" or possibly "as fertile as Egypt," referring to a specific location east of the Jordan River. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in Genesis 50:11 as the site where Joseph’s mourning rituals took place. The name suggests a landscape notable for its lushness, drawing a direct comparison to the agricultural richness of the Nile valley.
Lexical sources identify this place with Atad, another location mentioned earlier in the narrative. This connection implies that Abel-mizraim was a well-known landmark, likely an acacia meadow or open plain suitable for large public gatherings and extended mourning ceremonies. The term highlights how geographical features were often named to reflect their physical character or economic value.
While the exact boundaries of this site remain uncertain, its mention underscores the significance of land in biblical storytelling. The name serves as a reminder of the tangible settings where major covenantal events unfolded, grounding spiritual narratives in real, recognizable places.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Abel-mizraim means "meadow of Egypt," a name that points to land so rich and green it rivals the Nile Valley itself. Genesis 50:11 records this place as the site where Joseph’s brothers held their mourning rituals. The Canaanites watching from nearby saw such deep grief that they named the location after the Egyptians, linking a moment of family sorrow to the fertility of Egypt.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God works in real, physical places. Even when families are broken or lives are difficult, God meets us in the concrete details of our world. The lushness of Abel-mizraim shows that God’s provision is tangible, and His comfort is present even in seasons of heavy grief.
We can find hope knowing that our struggles are not abstract. They happen in real places, with real people, under a God who cares about the specifics of our lives. May you feel His presence in your own "meadows," wherever they may be.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Mizraim1×
- Abel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִצְרַ֔יִם1×
- אָבֵ֣ל1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 50:11
When the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning in the floor of Atad, they said, “This is a grievous mourning by the Egyptians.” Therefore its name was called Abel Mizraim, which is beyond the Jordan.
This verse is the only occurrence of Abel-mizraim, naming the site where Joseph’s brothers mourned and which the Canaanites observed.