Genesis 2:11 – Learn Chinese Bible

第一条河的名字叫比逊，环绕着哈腓拉全地，那地有金子。

The name of the first river is Pishon; it is the one that flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold.

Chinese Character	Pinyin	Meaning	Grammar Role
第一条	Dì yī tiáo	First (measure word for river)	Numeral + measure word
河	hé	River	Noun
名字	míng zì	Name	Noun
叫	jiào	To be called	Verb
比逊	Bǐ xùn	Pishon	Proper noun
环绕着 / 環繞著	huán rào zhe	Encircle, flow around	Verb phrase
哈腓拉	Hā féi lā	Havilah	Proper noun
全地	quán dì	Entire land	Noun phrase
那地	nà dì	That land	Noun phrase
有	yǒu	There is, there are	Verb
金子	jīn zi	Gold	Noun

Sentence Structure:

第一条河的名字叫比逊 (Dì yī tiáo hé de míng zì jiào Bǐ xùn): Introduces the first river and its name, Pishon.
环绕着哈腓拉全地 (huán rào zhe Hā féi lā quán dì): Describes the river encircling the whole land of Havilah.
那地有金子 (nà dì yǒu jīn zi): Indicates that gold is found in that land.

Key Grammar Points:

叫 (jiào): A verb meaning “to be called” or “to be named.”
环绕着 / 環繞著 (huán rào zhe): Indicates continuous action, meaning “to encircle” or “to flow around.”
有 (yǒu): Expresses existence or possession, translated as “there is” or “there are.”

Tone Practice:

第一条 (Dì yī tiáo): 4th tone (falling) + 1st tone (flat) + 2nd tone (rising)
河 (hé): 2nd tone (rising)
名字 (míng zì): 2nd tone (rising) + 4th tone (falling)
叫 (jiào): 4th tone (falling)
比逊 (Bǐ xùn): 3rd tone (falling-rising) + 4th tone (falling)
环绕着 / 環繞著 (huán rào zhe): 2nd tone (rising) + 4th tone (falling) + neutral tone
哈腓拉 (Hā féi lā): 1st tone (flat) + 2nd tone (rising) + 1st tone (flat)
全地 (quán dì): 2nd tone (rising) + 4th tone (falling)
那地 (nà dì): 4th tone (falling) + 4th tone (falling)
有 (yǒu): 3rd tone (falling-rising)
金子 (jīn zi): 1st tone (flat) + neutral tone

Key Characters:

河 (hé): Represents a river, emphasizing water’s importance in geography and livelihood.
环绕 / 環繞 (huán rào): Means “to encircle” or “to flow around,” highlighting the movement of the river.
哈腓拉 (Hā féi lā): Refers to Havilah, a geographical region rich in resources.
金子 (jīn zi): Refers to gold, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.

Geographical Significance: Rivers were vital for trade, agriculture, and settlement in ancient cultures, including both Hebrew and Chinese traditions.
Gold as Wealth: Gold has long been a symbol of prosperity and divine blessing in both cultures.
Names and Identity: The naming of rivers, such as Pishon, reflects their significance and identity, similar to the naming conventions in Chinese geography.

河 (hé): Visualize a flowing river winding through a fertile land.
环绕 / 環繞 (huán rào): Imagine the river encircling the land, providing water and sustenance.
金子 (jīn zi): Picture sparkling gold in the land, symbolizing richness and abundance.
哈腓拉 (Hā féi lā): Remember Havilah as a region of prosperity and divine provision.

Comparison with Hebrew:
- שֵׁ֥ם הָֽאֶחָ֖ד פִּישֹׁ֑ון (Shem HaEchad Pishon): → 第一条河的名字叫比逊 (Dì yī tiáo hé de míng zì jiào Bǐ xùn): Both describe the first river and its name.
- הַסֹּבֵ֗ב אֵ֚ת כָּל־אֶ֣רֶץ הַֽחֲוִילָ֔ה (HaSovev Et Kol-Eretz HaChavilah): → 环绕着哈腓拉全地 (huán rào zhe Hā féi lā quán dì): Both describe the river flowing around the land of Havilah.
- אֲשֶׁר־שָׁ֖ם הַזָּהָֽב (Asher Sham HaZahav): → 那地有金子 (nà dì yǒu jīn zi): Both indicate that gold is found in that land.
Comparison with English:
- “The name of the first river is Pishon” aligns with 第一条河的名字叫比逊 (Dì yī tiáo hé de míng zì jiào Bǐ xùn): Both specify the river’s name.
- “It flows around the whole land of Havilah” matches 环绕着哈腓拉全地 (huán rào zhe Hā féi lā quán dì): Both describe the river’s course.
- “Where there is gold” corresponds to 那地有金子 (nà dì yǒu jīn zi): Both note the presence of gold in the region.
Comparison with Chinese Cultural Concepts:
- Rivers and Prosperity: Rivers are often seen as sources of wealth and life, similar to how rivers like the Yellow River are celebrated in Chinese culture.
- Gold as Blessing: The mention of gold reflects its universal value as a symbol of prosperity and divine favor.