וַֽיְחִי־שֵׁ֕ת חָמֵ֥שׁ שָׁנִ֖ים וּמְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיֹּ֖ולֶד אֶת־אֱנֹֽושׁ׃
塞特活到一百零五歲，生了以挪士。
塞特活到一百零五岁，生了以挪士。
Sāitè huó dào yībǎi líng wǔ suì, shēngle Yǐnuòshì.
Seth lived to 105 years and became the father of Enosh.
1. Vocabulary Breakdown
| Chinese Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Grammar Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 塞特 | Sāitè | Seth (proper noun) | Proper noun |
| 活到 | huó dào | Lived to | Verb |
| 一百零五 | yībǎi líng wǔ | 105 | Numeral |
| 歲 / 岁 | suì | Years (age) | Measure word |
| 生 | shēng | To give birth | Verb |
| 以挪士 | Yǐnuòshì | Enosh (proper noun) | Proper noun |
2. Grammar Explanation
- 活到 / 活到 (huó dào): Indicates reaching a specific age, commonly used to describe someone’s lifespan.
- 歲 / 岁 (suì): A measure word specifically used for age, marking the number of years lived.
- 生 / 生 (shēng): Refers to the act of giving birth or begetting children.
3. Pronunciation Practice
- 塞特 / 塞特 (Sāitè): [sāi tè] – “Sāi” has a high level tone, and “tè” has a falling tone. Pronounce clearly to distinguish the syllables.
- 一百零五 / 一百零五 (yībǎi líng wǔ): [yī bǎi líng wǔ] – Ensure smooth transition between “líng” (neutral tone) and “wǔ” (rising tone).
- 以挪士 / 以挪士 (Yǐnuòshì): [yǐ nuò shì] – Keep the rising tone for “yǐ” distinct from the falling tone of “nuò” and “shì.”
4. Character Learning
- 塞特 / 塞特 (Sāitè): Seth, the son of Adam, represents the continuation of the human lineage after Abel’s death.
- 以挪士 / 以挪士 (Yǐnuòshì): Enosh, Seth’s son, marks the next generation and the development of humanity’s relationship with God.
5. Cultural Insights
- Longevity in Ancient Times: The ages in the Bible, such as Seth’s 105 years, reflect a symbolic representation of time and divine favor, often viewed differently in ancient cultures compared to modern times.
- Generational Legacy: The naming and lineage of individuals in biblical accounts emphasize the importance of ancestry and family legacy, a theme also prevalent in traditional Chinese culture.
6. Mnemonics for Retention
- 塞特 / 塞特 (Sāitè): Remember Seth as the son who continued Adam’s line, symbolizing hope and renewal.
- 以挪士 / 以挪士 (Yǐnuòshì): Enosh’s name signifies the continuation of the family line and the evolution of human spirituality.
7. Comparative Studies
- Comparison with Hebrew: “וַיִּֽחִי־שֵׁ֕ת חָמֵ֥שׁ שָׁנִ֖ים וּמְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה” corresponds directly to “塞特活到一百零五歲,” showing a faithful rendering of age and lineage.
- Comparison with Chinese Tradition: The emphasis on lineage and recording the years of life mirrors traditional Chinese practices of ancestral worship and genealogical records.
8. Application
The passage reflects the importance of acknowledging our ancestry and the values passed through generations. It also reminds us of the significance of recording history to maintain connections with our roots, encouraging reflection on our role in continuing family and cultural legacies.
