זֶ֣ה עֹשָׂ֔הּ שְׁלֹשׁ־מֵאֹ֥ות אַמָּ֖ה אֹ֣רֶךְ הַתֵּבָ֑ה חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים אַמָּ֛ה רָחְבָּ֖הּ וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים אַמָּֽה קֹומָתָֽהּ׃
這樣造方舟：方舟的長度要三百肘，寬度五十肘，高度三十肘。
这样造方舟：方舟的长度要三百肘，宽度五十肘，高度三十肘。
Zhèyàng zào fāngzhōu: Fāngzhōu de chángdù yào sānbǎi zhǒu, kuāndù wǔshí zhǒu, gāodù sānshí zhǒu.
This is how you shall make it: the ark shall be three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high.
1. Vocabulary Breakdown
| Chinese Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Grammar Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 這樣 / 这样 | zhèyàng | In this way | Adverbial phrase |
| 造 | zào | To make, build | Verb |
| 方舟 | fāngzhōu | Ark | Noun |
| 長度 / 长度 | chángdù | Length | Noun |
| 三百 | sānbǎi | Three hundred | Numeral |
| 肘 | zhǒu | Cubit | Measure word |
| 寬度 / 宽度 | kuāndù | Width | Noun |
| 五十 | wǔshí | Fifty | Numeral |
| 高度 | gāodù | Height | Noun |
| 三十 | sānshí | Thirty | Numeral |
2. Grammar Explanation
- 這樣 / 这样 (zhèyàng): This phrase introduces the instructions for building the ark, indicating how it should be constructed.
- 肘 (zhǒu): The measure word “cubit” specifies the dimensions of the ark, an ancient unit of length.
3. Pronunciation Practice
- 方舟 (fāngzhōu): [fāng zhōu] – Both syllables have high-level tones.
- 肘 (zhǒu): [zhǒu] – This syllable has a falling-rising tone, pronounced clearly to distinguish it.
4. Character Learning
- 方舟 (fāngzhōu): The ark represents refuge and salvation, central to Noah’s story.
- 肘 (zhǒu): An ancient measure of length, reminding us of the precision in God’s instructions.
5. Cultural Insights
- Symbolism of the Ark: The ark represents God’s provision and protection amidst judgment, a theme resonating across cultures with stories of refuge during calamity.
- Attention to Detail: The specific dimensions highlight the importance of precision and obedience in fulfilling divine instructions.
6. Mnemonics for Retention
- 三百 / 三百 (sānbǎi): Visualize the ark’s extraordinary length to remember its immense size and capacity.
- 方舟 / 方舟 (fāngzhōu): Associate the ark with a sanctuary, emphasizing its role in saving life.
7. Comparative Studies
- Hebrew: “אַמָּה (*amah*)” refers to a cubit, an ancient measure based on the length of a forearm.
- Chinese: The translation captures the exactness of the measurements, emphasizing the detailed nature of the divine instructions.
8. Application
This passage reminds us of the importance of preparation and following instructions with precision. It highlights the need for attention to detail and obedience, qualities essential in achieving both spiritual and practical goals. In our own lives, this serves as a call to prepare for challenges with care and diligence, trusting in divine guidance to navigate difficulties.
