וּֽזֲהַ֛ב הָאָ֥רֶץ הַהִ֖וא טֹ֑וב שָׁ֥ם הַבְּדֹ֖לַח וְאֶ֥בֶן הַשֹּֽׁהַם׃
那地的金子是好的；在那里有珍珠和红玛瑙。
那地的金子是好的；在那里有珍珠和红玛瑙。
Nà dì de jīn zi shì hǎo de; zài nà lǐ yǒu zhēn zhū hé hóng mǎ nǎo.
The gold of that land is good; there is also bdellium and onyx stone.
1. Vocabulary Breakdown
| Chinese Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Grammar Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 那地 | nà dì | That land | Noun phrase |
| 金子 | jīn zi | Gold | Noun |
| 是 | shì | Is, are | Verb |
| 好的 | hǎo de | Good | Adjective |
| 在那里 | zài nà lǐ | There | Prepositional phrase |
| 有 | yǒu | There is, there are | Verb |
| 珍珠 | zhēn zhū | Bdellium, pearl | Noun |
| 红玛瑙 | hóng mǎ nǎo | Onyx, red agate | Noun |
2. Grammar Explanation
Sentence Structure:
- 那地的金子是好的 (Nà dì de jīn zi shì hǎo de): Indicates that the gold in that land is good.
- 在那里有珍珠和红玛瑙 (zài nà lǐ yǒu zhēn zhū hé hóng mǎ nǎo): Describes the presence of bdellium (interpreted as pearls) and onyx (red agate) in that land.
Key Grammar Points:
- 的 (de): A possessive particle linking “that land” to “gold.”
- 是 (shì): A verb indicating a state or characteristic, meaning “is” or “are.”
- 有 (yǒu): A verb expressing existence, meaning “there is” or “there are.”
3. Pronunciation Practice
Pinyin: Nà dì de jīn zi shì hǎo de; zài nà lǐ yǒu zhēn zhū hé hóng mǎ nǎo.
Tone Practice:
- 那地 (nà dì): 4th tone (falling) + 4th tone (falling)
- 金子 (jīn zi): 1st tone (flat) + neutral tone
- 是 (shì): 4th tone (falling)
- 好的 (hǎo de): 3rd tone (falling-rising) + neutral tone
- 在那里 (zài nà lǐ): 4th tone (falling) + 4th tone (falling) + 3rd tone (falling-rising)
- 有 (yǒu): 3rd tone (falling-rising)
- 珍珠 (zhēn zhū): 1st tone (flat) + 1st tone (flat)
- 红玛瑙 (hóng mǎ nǎo): 2nd tone (rising) + 3rd tone (falling-rising) + 3rd tone (falling-rising)
4. Character Learning
Key Characters:
- 金子 (jīn zi): Represents gold, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
- 好的 (hǎo de): Means “good,” emphasizing the quality of the gold.
- 珍珠 (zhēn zhū): Refers to pearls or bdellium, highlighting the land’s abundance of precious materials.
- 红玛瑙 (hóng mǎ nǎo): Refers to onyx or red agate, another precious stone, symbolizing beauty and value.
5. Cultural Insights
- Gold as Divine Blessing: In both Hebrew and Chinese traditions, gold is seen as a symbol of divine favor and abundance.
- Precious Stones: The mention of bdellium and onyx mirrors Chinese appreciation for jade, agate, and other gemstones valued for their beauty and cultural significance.
- Natural Resources: The description of the land’s riches reflects an ancient understanding of the connection between natural resources and prosperity.
6. Mnemonics for Retention
- 金子 (jīn zi): Picture glittering gold scattered across the land, shining under the sun.
- 珍珠 (zhēn zhū): Imagine smooth pearls, representing purity and rarity.
- 红玛瑙 (hóng mǎ nǎo): Visualize a red gemstone glowing with warmth and vibrancy.
7. Comparative Studies
- Comparison with Hebrew:
- וּֽזֲהַ֛ב הָאָ֥רֶץ הַהִ֖וא טֹ֑וב (Uzahav HaAretz HaHu Tov): → 那地的金子是好的 (Nà dì de jīn zi shì hǎo de): Both describe the land’s gold as being of high quality.
- שָׁ֥ם הַבְּדֹ֖לַח (Sham HaBedolach): → 在那里有珍珠 (Zài nà lǐ yǒu zhēn zhū): Both indicate the presence of bdellium or pearls.
- וְאֶ֥בֶן הַשֹּֽׁהַם (VeEven HaShoham): → 和红玛瑙 (Hé hóng mǎ nǎo): Both refer to onyx or red agate as being found in the land.
- Comparison with English:
- “The gold of that land is good” corresponds to 那地的金子是好的 (Nà dì de jīn zi shì hǎo de): Both emphasize the quality of the gold.
- “There is also bdellium and onyx stone” aligns with 在那里有珍珠和红玛瑙 (Zài nà lǐ yǒu zhēn zhū hé hóng mǎ nǎo): Both highlight the presence of precious materials.
- Comparison with Chinese Cultural Concepts:
- Gold and Wealth: The high value placed on gold reflects shared cultural emphasis on wealth and prosperity.
- Gemstones: The mention of bdellium and onyx parallels Chinese appreciation for jade and other valuable stones as symbols of status and beauty.
