עֲשֵׂ֤ה לְךָ֙ תֵּבַ֣ת עֲצֵי־גֹ֔פֶר קִנִּ֖ים תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה אֶת־הַתֵּבָ֑ה וְכָֽפַרְתָּ֥ אֹתָ֛הּ מִבַּ֥יִת וּמִח֖וּץ בַּכֹּֽפֶר׃
你要為自己造一艘歌斐木的方舟，裡外都要抹上沥青，方舟內要造出多間隔間。
你要为自己造一艘歌斐木的方舟，里外都要抹上沥青，方舟内要造出多间隔间。
Nǐ yào wèi zìjǐ zào yī sōu gēfēi mù de fāngzhōu, lǐ wài dōu yào mǒ shàng lìqīng, fāngzhōu nèi yào zào chū duō jiān géjiān.
Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and cover it inside and outside with pitch.
1. Vocabulary Breakdown
| Chinese Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Grammar Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 你 | nǐ | You | Pronoun |
| 要 | yào | Must, need to | Auxiliary verb |
| 為 / 为 | wèi | For | Preposition |
| 自己 | zìjǐ | Oneself | Pronoun |
| 造 | zào | To make, build | Verb |
| 艘 | sōu | Measure word for boats/ships | Measure word |
| 歌斐木 | gēfēi mù | Gopher wood | Noun |
| 方舟 | fāngzhōu | Ark | Noun |
| 裡外 / 里外 | lǐ wài | Inside and outside | Adverbial phrase |
| 抹 | mǒ | To coat, spread | Verb |
| 沥青 | lìqīng | Pitch | Noun |
| 多 | duō | Many | Adjective |
| 间 | jiān | Room | Noun |
| 隔间 | géjiān | Compartment | Noun |
2. Grammar Explanation
- 為 / 为 (wèi): Used as a preposition meaning “for” to indicate the purpose of building the ark.
- 裡外 / 里外 (lǐ wài): An adverbial phrase meaning “inside and outside,” specifying where to coat the ark with pitch.
- 造 (zào): A verb meaning “to make or build,” indicating the action required of Noah.
3. Pronunciation Practice
- 歌斐木 (gēfēi mù): [gē fēi mù] – “Gē” and “fēi” have high-level tones, while “mù” has a falling tone.
- 方舟 (fāngzhōu): [fāng zhōu] – Both syllables have high-level tones.
- 沥青 / 沥青 (lìqīng): [lì qīng] – “Lì” has a falling tone, and “qīng” has a high-level tone.
4. Character Learning
- 歌斐木 (gēfēi mù): A unique wood mentioned in the Bible, used to construct the ark.
- 沥青 / 沥青 (lìqīng): Pitch, a material for waterproofing the ark.
- 方舟 (fāngzhōu): The term for “ark” in Chinese, symbolizing refuge and salvation.
5. Cultural Insights
- Construction of the Ark: The detailed instructions for building the ark reflect ancient practices of shipbuilding and divine guidance, emphasizing obedience and precision.
- Symbolism of Pitch: The use of pitch to coat the ark inside and outside symbolizes thorough preparation and divine protection.
6. Mnemonics for Retention
- 歌斐木 (gēfēi mù): Associate “Gopher wood” with the unique and divine nature of the ark’s construction.
- 沥青 / 沥青 (lìqīng): Visualize the pitch sealing the ark to keep it safe and waterproof.
7. Comparative Studies
- Hebrew: The Hebrew term “עֲצֵי־גֹפֶר (*‘atsei gopher*)” specifies the type of wood, unique to this passage, symbolizing specificity in divine instructions.
- Chinese: The Chinese translation captures the instructional tone of the Hebrew, emphasizing meticulous construction.
8. Application
This verse highlights the importance of following divine instructions with precision and care. It serves as a reminder to prepare for challenges thoroughly and to trust in divine guidance. In modern life, this principle encourages careful planning and faithfulness in fulfilling responsibilities, ensuring readiness for unforeseen events.
