וַיַּ֧רְא אֱלֹהִ֛ים אֶת־הָאָ֖רֶץ וְהִנֵּ֣ה נִשְׁחָ֑תָה כִּֽי־הִשְׁחִ֧ית כָּל־בָּשָׂ֛ר אֶת־דַּרְכֹּ֖ו עַל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃ ס
神看見大地,竟然敗壞了,因為所有血肉之軀都在地上敗壞了自己的行為。
神看见大地,竟然败坏了,因为所有血肉之躯都在地上败坏了自己的行为。
Shén kànjiàn dàdì, jìngrán bàihuài le, yīnwèi suǒyǒu xiěròu zhīqū dōu zài dìshàng bàihuài le zìjǐ de xíngwéi.
God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth.
1. Vocabulary Breakdown
Chinese Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Grammar Role |
---|---|---|---|
神 | Shén | God | Noun |
看見 / 看见 | kànjiàn | To see | Verb |
大地 | dàdì | The earth | Noun |
竟然 | jìngrán | Unexpectedly | Adverb |
敗壞 / 败坏 | bàihuài | Corrupt | Verb |
因為 / 因为 | yīnwèi | Because | Conjunction |
所有 | suǒyǒu | All | Adjective |
血肉之軀 / 血肉之躯 | xiěròu zhīqū | Flesh and blood | Noun phrase |
地上 | dìshàng | On the earth | Noun |
自己的 | zìjǐ de | Their own | Adjective phrase |
行為 / 行为 | xíngwéi | Behavior; conduct | Noun |
2. Grammar Explanation
- 看見 / 看见 (kànjiàn): The verb “to see” is used here to describe God’s observation of the corruption of the earth.
- 敗壞 / 败坏 (bàihuài): Indicates moral and spiritual corruption, a central theme in the verse.
- 血肉之軀 / 血肉之躯 (xiěròu zhīqū): A phrase meaning “flesh and blood,” referring to humanity.
- 行為 / 行为 (xíngwéi): Refers to conduct or behavior, emphasizing the moral decline of all humanity.
3. Pronunciation Practice
- 神 (Shén): [Shén] – A rising tone; ensure clarity in pronouncing this important term for God.
- 敗壞 / 败坏 (bàihuài): [bài huài] – Both syllables have falling tones, emphasizing the gravity of the word’s meaning.
- 血肉之軀 / 血肉之躯 (xiěròu zhīqū): [xiě ròu zhī qū] – “Xiě” has a falling-rising tone; “ròu” and “qū” have falling tones.
4. Character Learning
- 敗壞 / 败坏 (bàihuài): Represents moral and spiritual decay, a critical theme in this passage.
- 行為 / 行为 (xíngwéi): Highlights the actions of humanity that led to the earth’s corruption.
- 地上 (dìshàng): Emphasizes the earthly domain where human actions have consequences.
5. Cultural Insights
- Corruption as a Universal Theme: In many cultures, the idea of moral corruption leading to downfall is a recurring theme, emphasizing the importance of righteous living.
- Divine Observation: The verse highlights God’s omniscience, a concept that resonates with various cultural views of a divine presence watching over humanity.
6. Mnemonics for Retention
- 敗壞 / 败坏 (bàihuài): Visualize a flourishing garden overtaken by weeds, symbolizing corruption and decay.
- 行為 / 行为 (xíngwéi): Imagine actions as seeds—good seeds produce good fruit, while bad seeds lead to ruin.
7. Comparative Studies
- Comparison with Hebrew:
- וַיַּ֧רְא אֱלֹהִ֛ים אֶת־הָאָ֖רֶץ וְהִנֵּ֣ה נִשְׁחָ֑תָה: The phrase mirrors “神看見大地,竟然敗壞了,” both emphasizing God’s observation of earth’s corruption.
- כִּֽי־הִשְׁחִ֧ית כָּל־בָּשָׂ֛ר אֶת־דַּרְכֹּ֖ו: Aligns with “因為所有血肉之軀都在地上敗壞了自己的行為,” showing humanity’s moral decline.
- Comparison with Chinese Thought:
- Moral Decay and Consequences: Both biblical and Chinese traditions stress the link between moral failings and their repercussions.
- Accountability Before Heaven: Aligns with the concept of divine observation in Chinese traditions, where heaven monitors human actions.
8. Application
This verse challenges us to consider the consequences of our actions and their impact on the world around us. The idea that “all flesh corrupted their way” serves as a warning against moral decline and its devastating effects on society and the environment. For contemporary readers, this passage invites reflection on personal and collective responsibility to live righteously and maintain harmony with others and the world. By aligning our actions with ethical and spiritual principles, we can contribute to a better and less corrupt world.