Genesis 5:1

זֶ֣ה סֵ֔פֶר תֹּולְדֹ֖ת אָדָ֑ם בְּיֹ֗ום בְּרֹ֤א אֱלֹהִים֙ אָדָ֔ם בִּדְמ֥וּת אֱלֹהִ֖ים עָשָׂ֥ה אֹתֹֽו׃

这是亚当的后代的书；当神造人的时候，是照着神的形象造的。

这是亚当的后代的书；当神造人的时候，是照着神的形象造的。

Zhè shì Yàdāng de hòudài de shū; dāng shén zào rén de shíhòu, shì zhàozhe shén de xíngxiàng zào de.

This is the book of the generations of Adam. When God created man, He made him in the likeness of God.

1. Vocabulary Breakdown

Chinese Character	Pinyin	Meaning	Grammar Role
这是	Zhè shì	This is	Pronoun + Verb
亚当	Yàdāng	Adam (proper noun)	Proper noun
的	de	Possessive particle, used to link nouns	Particle
后代	hòudài	Descendants, generations	Noun
书	shū	Book	Noun
当	dāng	When	Conjunction
神	shén	God	Proper noun
造	zào	To create	Verb
人	rén	Man	Noun
的时候	shíhòu	Time, moment	Noun
照	zhào	To follow, according to	Verb
形象	xíngxiàng	Likeness, image	Noun
造	zào	To make	Verb
的	de	Particle indicating description	Particle

2. Grammar Explanation

• 这是 (Zhè shì): “This is” – used to introduce or point out a subject. In this case, it is introducing the concept of the genealogy of Adam.
• 后代 (hòudài): “Descendants” – refers to the generations that come after Adam, continuing through his line.
• 书 (shū): “Book” – in this context, “book” refers to the record of the descendants of Adam, symbolizing the genealogy or record of humanity’s beginnings.
• 当 (dāng): “When” – a conjunction used to express the time in which something happened, indicating the moment of creation in this case.
• 神 (shén): “God” – the Creator, the central figure responsible for the creation of man in the likeness of God.
• 造 (zào): “To create” – a verb that refers to God’s act of creating mankind in His image.
• 形象 (xíngxiàng): “Image” – refers to the likeness or form in which man was created by God.
• 的 (de): This particle links and connects words, especially for defining or describing relationships. Here it links “形象” (image) to “神” (God), meaning “the image of God.”

3. Pronunciation Practice

• 示特 (Shìtè): [shì tè] – Both syllables have a falling tone. Emphasize the steady descent in pitch.
• 神 (shén): [shén] – The tone is rising. Make sure to pronounce the rising pitch clearly in this word.
• 造 (zào): [zào] – The tone is falling. Keep the pitch low and clear.
• 形象 (xíngxiàng): [xíng xiàng] – “Xíng” is rising, and “xiàng” is falling. Pay attention to the shift between rising and falling tones in this phrase.
• 书 (shū): [shū] – The tone is high and steady. Make sure to keep the pitch consistent.

4. Character Learning

Key Characters:

• 示特 (Shìtè): Seth, Adam’s son, who represents a new beginning after Abel’s death. His descendants form a vital part of humanity’s continuing story.
• 神 (shén): God, the Creator, who made mankind in His own image. This concept is central to both the biblical and Chinese spiritual worldview, emphasizing divine creation and purpose.
• 形象 (xíngxiàng): “Image,” referring to the likeness of God in which humanity was created. This concept reflects the belief that humans bear a divine likeness and responsibility.
• 的 (de): A particle that links and connects words, especially for defining or describing relationships. In this case, it connects “形象” (image) to “神” (God), indicating that humanity’s image is based on divine likeness.

5. Cultural Insights

• The Image of God: The idea that humanity is created in the “image of God” holds profound significance. In Chinese culture, there is often a belief in the connection between humans and the divine, which reflects the concept of humanity’s moral responsibility to reflect the divine in their actions. The idea of “image” in this context highlights the importance of living in harmony with divine principles.
• The Creation of Mankind: Just as in many cultures, the concept of creation is central to human existence. In both biblical and Chinese traditions, the act of creation emphasizes the purpose and divine involvement in shaping human destiny. This understanding of humanity’s creation aligns with spiritual teachings that advocate for a life aligned with higher principles, whether those are moral, ethical, or religious in nature.

6. Mnemonics for Retention

• 示特 (Shìtè): Think of Seth as the continuation of the human line after Abel’s death. His name signifies hope and divine provision, and he is the son through whom humanity’s story continues.
• 神 (shén): “Shén” represents God, the Creator. Link this to the idea of divine creation and guidance. Whenever you see “Shén,” think of the Creator who made humans in His image.
• 造 (zào): The verb “zào” means “to create.” Remember that creation is a significant act, central to the biblical narrative of human origins.
• 形象 (xíngxiàng): “Image” – when you think of “xíngxiàng,” remember that humans are made in the image of God, reflecting His divine nature and moral responsibilities.
• 的 (de): This particle links and connects words, especially for defining or describing relationships. In this case, it connects “image” to “God,” indicating that humanity’s image is based on divine likeness.

7. Comparative Studies

• Comparison with Hebrew:
  • זֶ֣ה סֵ֔פֶר תֹּולְדֹ֖ת אָדָ֑ם בְּיֹ֗ום בְּרֹ֤א אֱלֹהִים֙ אָדָ֔ם בִּדְמ֥וּת אֱלֹהִ֖ים עָשָׂ֥ה אֹתֹֽו → 这是亚当的后代的书；当神造人的时候，是照着神的形象造的。 Both texts introduce the creation of humanity, emphasizing God’s role in shaping mankind in His image, a key point of continuity in the story of humanity’s beginnings.
• Comparison with Chinese:
  • The Concept of Creation: The idea of being created in “God’s image” is central to both the Hebrew and Chinese translations. In both cases, this concept underscores the divine influence and moral responsibility imparted to humans at creation.
  • Human Purpose: The creation of Adam in the “image of God” signifies the special status of humans in the biblical narrative. Similarly, in Chinese spiritual beliefs, humanity is often seen as a unique creation with a connection to the divine, symbolizing both responsibility and moral guidance.

8. Application

This passage emphasizes that humans are created in the image of God, which holds deep implications for our understanding of human dignity, responsibility, and purpose. It calls us to reflect on our role as caretakers of the world and stewards of divine principles. The idea that humanity is created in God’s image can serve as a reminder to live in accordance with moral and spiritual values, to respect the inherent dignity of all individuals, and to strive to reflect divine qualities in our actions. Additionally, the link between Adam’s creation and the subsequent generations, including the birth of Seth, highlights the continuity of human life and the significance of legacy and family in shaping the future.