וְשֵֽׁם־הַנָּהָ֥ר הַשֵּׁנִ֖י גִּיחֹ֑ון ה֣וּא הַסֹּובֵ֔ב אֵ֖ת כָּל־אֶ֥רֶץ כּֽוּשׁ׃
第二条河的名字叫基训，环绕着古实全地。
第二条河的名字叫基训，环绕着古实全地。
Dì èr tiáo hé de míng zì jiào Jī xùn, huán rào zhe Gǔ shí quán dì.
The name of the second river is Gihon; it is the one that flows around the whole land of Cush.
1. Vocabulary Breakdown
| Chinese Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Grammar Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 第二条 | Dì èr tiáo | Second (measure word for river) | Numeral + measure word |
| 河 | hé | River | Noun |
| 名字 | míng zì | Name | Noun |
| 叫 | jiào | To be called | Verb |
| 基训 | Jī xùn | Gihon | Proper noun |
| 环绕着 / 環繞著 | huán rào zhe | Encircle, flow around | Verb phrase |
| 古实 / 古實 | Gǔ shí | Cush | Proper noun |
| 全地 | quán dì | Entire land | Noun phrase |
2. Grammar Explanation
Sentence Structure:
- 第二条河的名字叫基训 (Dì èr tiáo hé de míng zì jiào Jī xùn): Introduces the second river and its name, Gihon.
- 环绕着古实全地 (huán rào zhe Gǔ shí quán dì): Describes the river encircling the whole land of Cush.
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.”
3. Pronunciation Practice
Pinyin: Dì èr tiáo hé de míng zì jiào Jī xùn, huán rào zhe Gǔ shí quán dì.
Tone Practice:
- 第二条 (Dì èr tiáo): 4th tone (falling) + 4th tone (falling) + 2nd tone (rising)
- 河 (hé): 2nd tone (rising)
- 名字 (míng zì): 2nd tone (rising) + 4th tone (falling)
- 叫 (jiào): 4th tone (falling)
- 基训 (Jī xùn): 1st tone (flat) + 4th tone (falling)
- 环绕着 / 環繞著 (huán rào zhe): 2nd tone (rising) + 4th tone (falling) + neutral tone
- 古实 / 古實 (Gǔ shí): 3rd tone (falling-rising) + 2nd tone (rising)
- 全地 (quán dì): 2nd tone (rising) + 4th tone (falling)
4. Character Learning
Key Characters:
- 基训 (Jī xùn): Refers to Gihon, the second river mentioned in the biblical narrative.
- 环绕 / 環繞 (huán rào): Means “to encircle” or “to flow around,” describing the river’s course.
- 古实 / 古實 (Gǔ shí): Refers to Cush, often associated with a region in Africa, emphasizing the geographical reach of the river.
5. Cultural Insights
- Geographical Context: Rivers were vital for trade, agriculture, and settlement, making their mention significant in both Hebrew and Chinese cultural narratives.
- Historical Identification: The land of Cush (古实) is often linked to areas south of Egypt, highlighting the interconnectedness of ancient regions.
- Names Reflect Importance: Naming rivers, such as Gihon, emphasizes their identity and importance, a practice also prevalent in Chinese traditions.
6. Mnemonics for Retention
- 基训 (Jī xùn): Picture a river winding through fertile lands, sustaining life and commerce.
- 环绕 / 環繞 (huán rào): Imagine the river encircling a land, bringing nourishment and connectivity.
- 古实 / 古實 (Gǔ shí): Visualize a lush, expansive region south of Egypt, known for its rich resources.
7. Comparative Studies
- Comparison with Hebrew:
- וְשֵֽׁם־הַנָּהָ֥ר הַשֵּׁנִ֖י גִּיחֹ֑ון (VeShem HaNahar HaSheini Gichon): → 第二条河的名字叫基训 (Dì èr tiáo hé de míng zì jiào Jī xùn): Both describe the second river and its name.
- הַסֹּובֵ֔ב אֵ֖ת כָּל־אֶ֥רֶץ כּֽוּשׁ (HaSovev Et Kol-Eretz Cush): → 环绕着古实全地 (huán rào zhe Gǔ shí quán dì): Both describe the river encircling the land of Cush.
- Comparison with English:
- “The name of the second river is Gihon” aligns with 第二条河的名字叫基训 (Dì èr tiáo hé de míng zì jiào Jī xùn): Both specify the river’s name.
- “It flows around the whole land of Cush” matches 环绕着古实全地 (huán rào zhe Gǔ shí quán dì): Both emphasize the river’s path encircling Cush.
- Comparison with Chinese Cultural Concepts:
- Rivers as Life-Givers: Both traditions view rivers as essential for life, trade, and agriculture.
- Geographical Identity: The mention of Cush reflects the importance of identifying regions and their resources, a practice mirrored in Chinese historical texts.
