וַֽיְחִי־לֶ֗מֶךְ אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הֹולִידֹ֣ו אֶת־נֹ֔חַ חָמֵ֤שׁ וְתִשְׁעִים֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וַחֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵאֹ֖ת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיֹּ֥ולֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֹֽות׃
拉麥在生挪亞之後又活了五百九十五年，並且生兒養女。
拉麦在生挪亚之后又活了五百九十五年，并且生儿养女。
Lāmài zài shēng Nuóyà zhīhòu yòu huóle wǔbǎi jiǔshíwǔ nián, bìngqiě shēng ér yǎng nǚ.
Lamech lived for another five hundred and ninety-five years after he fathered Noah, and he had other sons and daughters.
1. Vocabulary Breakdown
| Chinese Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Grammar Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 拉麥 / 拉麦 | Lāmài | Lamech (proper noun) | Proper noun |
| 在 | zài | At, in | Preposition |
| 生 | shēng | To give birth | Verb |
| 挪亞 / 挪亚 | Nuóyà | Noah (proper noun) | Proper noun |
| 之後 / 之后 | zhīhòu | After | Adverb |
| 又 | yòu | Again | Adverb |
| 活 | huó | To live | Verb |
| 五百九十五 | wǔbǎi jiǔshíwǔ | Five hundred and ninety-five | Numeral |
| 年 | nián | Year | Noun |
| 並且 / 并且 | bìngqiě | And, furthermore | Conjunction |
| 生 | shēng | To give birth | Verb |
| 兒 / 儿 | ér | Sons | Noun |
| 女 | nǚ | Daughters | Noun |
2. Grammar Explanation
- 拉麥 / 拉麦 (Lāmài): Proper noun referring to Lamech, Noah’s father.
- 之後 / 之后 (zhīhòu): An adverb meaning “after,” showing the sequence of events.
- 五百九十五 (wǔbǎi jiǔshíwǔ): The numeral phrase “five hundred and ninety-five” indicates the number of years Lamech lived after Noah was born.
- 並且 / 并且 (bìngqiě): A conjunction that connects Lamech’s continued life with the fact that he fathered other children.
3. Pronunciation Practice
- 拉麥 / 拉麦 (Lāmài): [lā mài] – “Lā” has a high-level tone, and “mài” has a falling tone.
- 挪亞 / 挪亚 (Nuóyà): [nuó yà] – “Nuó” has a rising tone, and “yà” has a falling tone.
- 之後 / 之后 (zhīhòu): [zhī hòu] – “Zhī” has a high-level tone, and “hòu” has a falling tone.
- 並且 / 并且 (bìngqiě): [bìng qiě] – “Bìng” has a falling tone, and “qiě” has a rising tone.
4. Character Learning
Key Characters:
- 拉麥 / 拉麦 (Lāmài): Refers to Lamech, a key figure in the genealogy leading to Noah.
- 挪亞 / 挪亚 (Nuóyà): Noah, a central figure in the biblical narrative, known for building the ark.
- 之後 / 之后 (zhīhòu): “After,” showing temporal progression.
- 並且 / 并且 (bìngqiě): “And,” a conjunction used to connect clauses, emphasizing additional actions.
5. Cultural Insights
- Legacy of Lamech: Lamech’s lineage is significant in the biblical narrative, as it highlights the continuity of humanity through Noah. This focus on genealogy is mirrored in many ancient cultures, including Chinese traditions, where ancestral lines are carefully preserved.
- Numerical Symbolism: The longevity of Lamech’s life is a common theme in early biblical genealogies, emphasizing human connections to the divine and the unique nature of pre-flood lifespans.
6. Mnemonics for Retention
- 拉麥 / 拉麦 (Lāmài): Remember Lamech as the father of Noah, a pivotal figure in the biblical narrative.
- 挪亞 / 挪亚 (Nuóyà): Noah’s name is synonymous with salvation and continuity, a key theme in Genesis.
7. Comparative Studies
- Comparison with Hebrew: The Hebrew text emphasizes Lamech’s long life and his fathering of Noah. The Chinese translation mirrors this focus, maintaining the order and meaning of the original.
- Comparison with Chinese Culture: The mention of Lamech’s children reflects the importance of legacy and family continuity, themes deeply rooted in both biblical and Chinese traditions.
8. Application
This passage highlights the significance of family and legacy. Lamech’s role in the genealogy leading to Noah underscores the importance of continuity and preparation for pivotal events, such as the flood narrative. In modern contexts, this can inspire reflection on our own contributions to future generations and the values we pass down.
