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Genesis 50:11 - Egypt's grief moves Canaanites

Genesis 50:11 - בראשית 50:11

Hebrew Text

וַיַּרְא יוֹשֵׁב הָאָרֶץ הַכְּנַעֲנִי אֶת־הָאֵבֶל בְּגֹרֶן הָאָטָד וַיֹּאמְרוּ אֵבֶל־כָּבֵד זֶה לְמִצְרָיִם עַל־כֵּן קָרָא שְׁמָהּ אָבֵל מִצְרַיִם אֲשֶׁר בְּעֵבֶר הַיַּרְדֵּן׃

English Translation

And when the inhabitants of the land, the Kena῾ani, saw the mourning at the floor of Atad, they said, This is a grievous mourning to Miżrayim: so that the name of it was called Avel-miżrayim, which is beyond the Yarden.

Transliteration

Va-yar yoshev ha-aretz ha-Kena'ani et-ha-evel be-goren ha-atad va-yomru evel-kaved ze le-Mitzrayim al-ken kara shmah Avel Mitzrayim asher be-ever ha-Yarden.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֡רְא יוֹשֵׁב֩ הָאָ֨רֶץ הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֜י אֶת־הָאֵ֗בֶל בְּגֹ֙רֶן֙ הָֽאָטָ֔ד וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ אֵֽבֶל־כָּבֵ֥ד זֶ֖ה לְמִצְרָ֑יִם עַל־כֵּ֞ן קָרָ֤א שְׁמָהּ֙ אָבֵ֣ל מִצְרַ֔יִם אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּעֵ֥בֶר הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃
וַיַּ֡רְא יוֹשֵׁב֩ הָאָ֨רֶץ הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֜י אֶת־הָאֵ֗בֶל בְּגֹ֙רֶן֙ הָֽאָטָ֔ד וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ אֵֽבֶל־כָּבֵ֥ד זֶ֖ה לְמִצְרָ֑יִם עַל־כֵּ֞ן קָרָ֤א שְׁמָהּ֙ אָבֵ֣ל מִצְרַ֔יִם אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּעֵ֥בֶר הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 50:11) describes the mourning procession for Yaakov Avinu as his family transports his body from Egypt to be buried in the Cave of Machpelah in Eretz Yisrael. The procession stops at Goren HaAtad ("the threshing floor of Atad"), where they engage in profound mourning, drawing the attention of the local Canaanite inhabitants.

The Significance of the Mourning

Rashi explains that the term "Eivel Kaved" (a grievous mourning) refers to the great honor accorded to Yaakov through this mourning ceremony. The Sages (Sotah 13a) teach that the kings of Canaan and the princes of Yishmael came to pay their respects, demonstrating Yaakov's elevated status even among neighboring nations. The mourning was so intense that it resembled the mourning for a king of Egypt—hence the name "Avel Mitzrayim" (the mourning of Egypt).

Location: Goren HaAtad

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 100:3) notes that "Atad" (thornbush) symbolizes the idea that the nations recognized the "thorns" (difficulties) that Yaakov endured in his life, particularly during his time with Lavan and the loss of Yosef. The Kena'ani, witnessing this mourning, acknowledged Yaakov's righteousness and the divine protection he merited despite his hardships.

The Canaanite Reaction

Ramban suggests that the Canaanites' observation and commentary highlight the fulfillment of the divine promise that Yaakov's descendants would become a great nation. Even in death, Yaakov's influence was recognized beyond Bnei Yisrael. The naming of the place as "Avel Mitzrayim" serves as a lasting testimony to the respect Egypt and other nations had for Yaakov.

Geographical Note: "Beyond the Jordan"

The verse specifies that this event occurred "beyond the Jordan," which, according to Rashi, refers to the western side of the Jordan River (from the perspective of someone coming from Egypt). This detail emphasizes that the mourning took place just before entering Eretz Yisrael, marking the transition from exile to the promised land—a theme central to Yaakov's life and legacy.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the mourning at the floor of Atad in Genesis 50:11?
A: The mourning at the floor of Atad marks the deep respect and honor shown by both the Egyptians and Jacob's family during his funeral procession. The Canaanites observed this intense mourning and named the place 'Avel-mitzrayim' (Mourning of Egypt), recognizing its significance. Rashi explains that this demonstrated how even non-Jews acknowledged Jacob's greatness and the impact of his passing.
Q: Why did the Canaanites call the place 'Avel-mitzrayim'?
A: The Canaanites saw the profound mourning by Jacob's family and the Egyptians and remarked, 'This is a grievous mourning for Egypt.' They named the place 'Avel-mitzrayim' (Mourning of Egypt) because the mourning was so intense that it appeared as if Egypt itself was in deep sorrow. The Midrash highlights that this showed how Jacob's righteousness was recognized even by outsiders.
Q: Where is 'Avel-mitzrayim' located according to Genesis 50:11?
A: The verse states that 'Avel-mitzrayim' is located 'beyond the Jordan,' meaning on the east side of the Jordan River. Rashi clarifies that this was part of the land of Canaan, and the name remained as a testimony to the great mourning that took place there during Jacob's funeral procession.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the mourning described in Genesis 50:11?
A: This event teaches the importance of honoring the deceased with proper respect and mourning. The fact that even the Canaanites recognized the significance of Jacob's passing shows the impact of a righteous life. The Talmud (Sotah 13a) notes that the extensive mourning demonstrated the unity and dignity of Jacob's family, setting an example for future generations in how to honor the departed.
Q: Why did the Egyptians join in mourning for Jacob?
A: The Egyptians participated in mourning Jacob because of the great respect they had for him and his son Joseph, who was a high-ranking leader in Egypt. Rambam (Hilchos Avel 14:1) explains that honoring the deceased is a universal value, and the Egyptians' participation showed their recognition of Jacob's righteousness and the divine blessing he brought to their land.