וַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ כָּל־יְמֵ֣י אֱנֹ֔ושׁ חָמֵ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֔ים וּתְשַׁ֥ע מֵאֹ֖ות שָׁנָ֑ה וַיָּמֹֽת׃ ס
以挪士共活了九百零五歲，然後死了。
以挪士共活了九百零五岁，然后死了。
Yǐnuòshì gòng huóle jiǔbǎi líng wǔ suì, ránhòu sǐle.
Enosh lived a total of 905 years, and then he died.
1. Vocabulary Breakdown
| Chinese Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Grammar Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 以挪士 | Yǐnuòshì | Enosh (proper noun) | Proper noun |
| 共 | gòng | Total | Adverb |
| 活了 | huóle | Lived | Verb |
| 九百零五 | jiǔbǎi líng wǔ | 905 | Numeral |
| 歲 / 岁 | suì | Years (of age) | Measure word |
| 然後 / 然后 | ránhòu | Then, afterwards | Adverb |
| 死了 | sǐle | Died | Verb |
2. Grammar Explanation
- 以挪士 (Yǐnuòshì): The proper noun for Enosh, Adam’s grandson through Seth.
- 共 (gòng): Means “total,” summarizing the entire lifespan of Enosh.
- 歲 / 岁 (suì): Indicates years of age.
- 然後 / 然后 (ránhòu): An adverb used to show sequence, meaning “then” or “afterwards.”
3. Pronunciation Practice
- 以挪士 (Yǐnuòshì): [yǐ nuò shì] – “Yǐ” has a rising tone, “nuò” has a falling tone, and “shì” also has a falling tone.
- 九百零五 (jiǔbǎi líng wǔ): [jiǔ bǎi líng wǔ] – “Jiǔ” has a falling-rising tone, “bǎi” has a falling-rising tone, “líng” has a rising tone, and “wǔ” has a falling-rising tone.
- 然後 / 然后 (ránhòu): [rán hòu] – Both syllables have falling tones.
4. Character Learning
Key Characters:
- 以挪士 (Yǐnuòshì): The proper noun for Enosh, representing a continuation of the human lineage.
- 歲 / 岁 (suì): A measure word for years, commonly used in discussions of lifespan.
- 死了 (sǐle): Indicates that someone has died; emphasizes the finality of life.
5. Cultural Insights
- Longevity and Legacy: Both Hebrew and Chinese traditions place great emphasis on longevity as a blessing and a marker of one’s contribution to lineage and legacy.
- Genealogies: The recording of lifespans reflects an ancient cultural importance placed on documenting family lines and preserving heritage.
6. Mnemonics for Retention
- 以挪士 (Yǐnuòshì): Enosh’s name is central to the genealogical account, representing continuation and the fulfillment of humanity’s early generations.
- 歲 / 岁 (suì): Remember this character as a way to discuss age and lifespan.
7. Comparative Studies
- Comparison with Hebrew: The Hebrew text meticulously documents the years Enosh lived, which parallels the detailed nature of the Chinese translation.
- Comparison with Chinese Culture: Both cultures share a deep respect for ancestry and lineage, emphasizing the significance of each generation in the broader story of humanity.
8. Application
This passage reminds us of the value of recording and remembering human history. Enosh’s lifespan encourages reflection on the legacy left by each generation and the importance of continuity in family lines. In our lives, this may inspire us to maintain family records, honor our ancestors, and recognize our place in the ongoing human story.
