וַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ כָּל־יְמֵ֣י קֵינָ֔ן עֶ֣שֶׂר שָׁנִ֔ים וּתְשַׁ֥ע מֵאֹ֖ות שָׁנָ֑ה וַיָּמֹֽת׃ ס
該南共活了九百一十歲，然後死了。
该南共活了九百一十岁，然后死了。
Gāinán gòng huóle jiǔbǎi yīshí suì, ránhòu sǐle.
Kenan lived a total of 910 years, and then he died.
1. Vocabulary Breakdown
| Chinese Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Grammar Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 該南 / 该南 | Gāinán | Kenan (proper noun) | Proper noun |
| 共 | gòng | Total | Adverb |
| 活了 | huóle | Lived | Verb |
| 九百一十 | jiǔbǎi yīshí | 910 | Numeral |
| 歲 / 岁 | suì | Years (of age) | Noun |
| 然後 / 然后 | ránhòu | Then | Conjunction |
| 死了 | sǐle | Died | Verb |
2. Grammar Explanation
- 該南 / 该南 (Gāinán): Refers to Kenan, an ancestor in the biblical genealogy.
- 共 (gòng): Indicates the total duration of Kenan’s life.
- 然後 / 然后 (ránhòu): Connects the events, showing the sequence (he lived, and then he died).
3. Pronunciation Practice
- 該南 / 该南 (Gāinán): [gāi nán] – Pronounce with a high-level tone on “gāi” and a rising tone on “nán.”
- 九百一十 (jiǔbǎi yīshí): [jiǔ bǎi yī shí] – Sequential tones: rising, falling-rising, high-level, and rising.
- 然後 / 然后 (ránhòu): [rán hòu] – Rising tone on “rán” and falling tone on “hòu.”
4. Character Learning
Key Characters:
- 該南 / 该南 (Gāinán): Kenan, a descendant in Adam’s lineage, represents continuity in the biblical genealogy.
- 共 (gòng): Means “total,” summarizing Kenan’s lifespan.
- 歲 / 岁 (suì): Indicates years of age, a key term for describing lifespans.
- 死了 (sǐle): “Died,” marking the end of Kenan’s life.
5. Cultural Insights
- Genealogical Record: In both biblical and Chinese cultures, detailed genealogies signify respect for ancestry and the importance of continuity.
- Longevity: The ages recorded in Genesis often surpass modern lifespans, reflecting a cultural emphasis on long life as a divine blessing.
6. Mnemonics for Retention
- 該南 / 该南 (Gāinán): Kenan is part of the lineage leading to Noah, a pivotal figure in Genesis.
- 共 / 共有 (gòng): Use “total” to summarize lifespans in genealogical records.
- 然後 / 然后 (ránhòu): Links events chronologically, essential for narrative flow.
7. Comparative Studies
- Comparison with Hebrew: The Hebrew text emphasizes total years of life and Kenan’s eventual death, mirrored in the Chinese translation.
- Comparison with Chinese Culture: The attention to age and lineage reflects shared values of familial continuity and respect for ancestors.
8. Application
This passage underscores the importance of recording lifespans and genealogies as a way of honoring ancestry and divine providence. Kenan’s life is part of a broader narrative that reminds us of our connection to previous generations and the legacy we carry forward. Reflecting on such records can inspire us to consider the impact of our lives on future generations.
