וְהֶ֨בֶל הֵבִ֥יא גַם־ה֛וּא מִבְּכֹרֹ֥ות צֹאנֹ֖ו וּמֵֽחֶלְבֵהֶ֑ן וַיִּ֣שַׁע יְהוָ֔ה אֶל־הֶ֖בֶל וְאֶל־מִנְחָתֹֽו׃
亞伯也從他羊群中拿出最好的羊，和羊的脂油，耶和華看中了亞伯和他的禮物。
亚伯也从他羊群中拿出最好的羊，和羊的脂油，耶和华看中了亚伯和他的礼物。
Yàbó yě cóng tā yángqún zhōng ná chū zuì hǎo de yáng, hé yáng de zhī yóu, Yēhéhuá kàn zhòngle Yàbó hé tā de lǐwù.
And Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering.
1. Vocabulary Breakdown
| Chinese Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Grammar Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 亞伯 / 亚伯 | Yàbó | Abel | Proper noun |
| 也 | yě | Also | Adverb |
| 從 / 从 | cóng | From | Preposition |
| 羊群 | yángqún | Flock of sheep | Noun |
| 中 | zhōng | In | Preposition |
| 拿出 | ná chū | To take out | Verb |
| 最好的 | zuì hǎo de | The best | Adjective + Noun |
| 羊 | yáng | Sheep | Noun |
| 和 | hé | And | Conjunction |
| 脂油 | zhī yóu | Fat | Noun |
| 看中 | kàn zhòng | To regard with favor / To respect | Verb phrase |
| 禮物 / 礼物 | lǐwù | Gift / Offering | Noun |
2. Grammar Explanation
Sentence Structure:
- 亞伯也從他羊群中拿出最好的羊 (Yàbó yě cóng tā yángqún zhōng ná chū zuì hǎo de yáng): Abel’s action of bringing the best of his flock is indicated by the verb “拿出” (ná chū), meaning “to take out,” and the adjective phrase “最好的” (zuì hǎo de), meaning “the best.”
- 和羊的脂油 (hé yáng de zhī yóu): The conjunction “和” (hé) links the two items Abel offered: the sheep and the fat thereof. “脂油” (zhī yóu) means “fat” or “fatty portions” of the animal.
- 耶和華看中了亞伯和他的禮物 (Yēhéhuá kàn zhòngle Yàbó hé tā de lǐwù): The verb phrase “看中” (kàn zhòng) means “to regard favorably” or “to respect,” showing that God approved of Abel and his offering. This is followed by “亞伯和他的禮物” (Yàbó hé tā de lǐwù), indicating that both Abel and his offering were favored.
Key Grammar Points:
- 也 (yě): The adverb “also,” indicating that Abel’s offering is in addition to others, following the example set by Cain.
- 從 / 从 (cóng): A preposition meaning “from,” showing the origin of the offering (from his flock).
- 最好的 (zuì hǎo de): An adjective phrase meaning “the best,” describing the quality of Abel’s offering.
- 和 (hé): A conjunction meaning “and,” linking the two items that Abel offered (the sheep and the fat).
- 看中 (kàn zhòng): A verb phrase meaning “to regard favorably” or “to respect,” indicating God’s acceptance of Abel’s offering.
3. Pronunciation Practice
Pinyin: Yàbó yě cóng tā yángqún zhōng ná chū zuì hǎo de yáng, hé yáng de zhī yóu, Yēhéhuá kàn zhòngle Yàbó hé tā de lǐwù.
Tone Practice:
- 亞伯 / 亚伯 (Yàbó): 4th tone (falling) + 2nd tone (rising)
- 也 (yě): 3rd tone (falling-rising)
- 從 / 从 (cóng): 2nd tone (rising)
- 羊群 (yángqún): 2nd tone (rising) + 2nd tone (rising)
- 中 (zhōng): 1st tone (flat)
- 拿出 (ná chū): 2nd tone (rising) + 1st tone (flat)
- 最好的 (zuì hǎo de): 4th tone (falling) + 3rd tone (falling-rising) + neutral tone
- 羊 (yáng): 2nd tone (rising)
- 和 (hé): 2nd tone (rising)
- 脂油 (zhī yóu): 1st tone (flat) + 2nd tone (rising)
- 看中 (kàn zhòng): 4th tone (falling) + 4th tone (falling)
- 禮物 / 礼物 (lǐwù): 3rd tone (falling-rising) + 4th tone (falling)
4. Character Learning
Key Characters:
- 亞伯 / 亚伯 (Yàbó): Abel, the son of Adam and Eve, who represents the theme of sacrifice and righteousness in the biblical story.
- 也 (yě): This adverb means “also” or “too,” showing that Abel, like Cain, brings an offering to the LORD, adding continuity to the actions of both brothers.
- 從 / 从 (cóng): A preposition meaning “from,” indicating the origin of the offering, which in this case is from Abel’s flock.
- 羊群 (yángqún): “Flock of sheep,” indicating the animals Abel tends. “羊” (yáng) means “sheep,” and “群” (qún) means “flock” or “group,” indicating Abel’s occupation as a shepherd.
- 中 (zhōng): A preposition meaning “in” or “within,” used to describe where Abel takes the best sheep from (his flock).
- 拿出 (ná chū): A verb phrase meaning “to take out,” indicating Abel’s action of bringing the best sheep as an offering.
- 最好的 (zuì hǎo de): “The best,” an adjective phrase describing the quality of Abel’s offering to the LORD. The use of “最” (zuì) emphasizes that Abel’s offering is the best from his flock.
- 羊 (yáng): “Sheep,” representing Abel’s occupation as a shepherd and the specific animal from which he brings his offering.
- 和 (hé): A conjunction meaning “and,” linking the two elements Abel offered: the sheep and the fat.
- 脂油 (zhī yóu): “Fat,” referring to the fat portions of the animal, which were often considered the best parts for sacrifice in biblical offerings.
- 看中 (kàn zhòng): A verb phrase meaning “to regard with favor” or “to respect,” indicating that the LORD accepted Abel’s offering because of its quality and Abel’s heart.
- 禮物 / 礼物 (lǐwù): “Gift” or “offering,” referring to the material offering that Abel brings to God. It represents the gesture of honor and submission to the divine.
5. Cultural Insights
- Offering and Sacrifice in Biblical and Chinese Culture: In the Bible, Abel’s offering represents faith and submission to God’s will. In Chinese culture, offerings are seen as acts of reverence and respect, not just for gods but also for ancestors. The gesture of offering something of value, like Abel’s best sheep, is a common practice in both cultures to show honor and devotion.
- The Significance of “The Best”: Abel’s act of offering “the best” of his flock parallels the cultural expectation in many traditions, including Chinese culture, that offerings should reflect the giver’s sincerity and respect. In Chinese traditions, this might involve offering the best food or goods during festivals or ceremonies to ensure favor from spirits or ancestors.
- Divine Favor: The idea that the LORD had respect for Abel’s offering is significant. In Chinese culture, divine favor is often earned through acts of righteousness, such as maintaining harmony, respecting ancestors, and following moral conduct. This mirrors the idea in the Bible that God’s favor is given based on obedience and the purity of one’s heart.
6. Mnemonics for Retention
- 亞伯 / 亚伯 (Yàbó): You can associate Abel’s name with “Yah,” a short form for God, and “Bo” as “bounty” or “blessing,” reflecting the acceptance of his offering.
- 從 / 从 (cóng): “From,” think of the offering coming “from” Abel’s flock, as the source of the gift to God.
- 最好的 (zuì hǎo de): Remember “the best” by thinking of “最” (zuì) as “most,” making it clear that Abel gave the best of what he had to the LORD.
- 看中 (kàn zhòng): Visualize God “looking favorably” upon Abel’s offering, using “看” (kàn) to remind you of “seeing” and “中” (zhòng) as “focused” or “centered,” signifying God’s approval.
7. Comparative Studies
- Comparison with Hebrew:
- וְהֶ֨בֶל הֵבִ֥יא (V’Hevel Hevi): → 亞伯也從 (Yàbó yě cóng): Both phrases indicate Abel bringing an offering, though the Chinese specifically uses the adverb “也” (yě) to mean “also” or “too,” emphasizing Abel’s act of bringing a gift to God.
- מִבְּכֹרֹ֥ות צֹאנֹ֖ו (MiB’khōrōt Tso’nó): → 從羊群中拿出最好的羊 (Cóng yángqún zhōng ná chū zuì hǎo de yáng): The concept of the firstborn of the flock, representing the best of Cain’s offering, is mirrored in the Chinese expression where “最好的” (zuì hǎo de) emphasizes the quality of the offering.
- וַיִּ֣שַׁע יְהוָ֔ה (Vayisha YHWH): → 耶和華看中了 (Yēhéhuá kàn zhòngle): The LORD’s favorable response to Abel’s offering is indicated in both languages, with the Hebrew using “Vayisha” (had regard for) and the Chinese using “看中” (kàn zhòng) to express divine approval.
- Comparison with English:
- “And Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering.” corresponds to 亞伯也從羊群中拿出最好的羊，和羊的脂油，耶和華看中了亞伯和他的禮物 (Yàbó yě cóng yángqún zhōng ná chū zuì hǎo de yáng, hé yáng de zhī yóu, Yēhéhuá kàn zhòngle Yàbó hé tā de lǐwù): Both passages describe Abel’s offering and God’s favorable response.
- Comparison with Chinese Cultural Concepts:
- Offerings to Ancestors and Gods: Just as in Chinese culture offerings are made to ensure blessings from gods or ancestors, Abel’s offering is presented to God with the hope of divine favor. This demonstrates a common cultural practice of offering the best to the divine.
- Respect and Approval: In both cultures, divine respect is earned through sincere offerings. The idea of God “looking favorably” upon Abel mirrors the Chinese concept of receiving divine approval through rituals, sincerity, and respect.
