וַֽיְחִ֥י קֵינָ֖ן שִׁבְעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיֹּ֖ולֶד אֶת־מַֽהֲלַלְאֵֽל׃
該南活到七十歲，生了瑪勒列。
该南活到七十岁，生了玛勒列。
Gāinán huódào qīshí suì, shēngle Mǎlèlè.
Kenan lived seventy years and fathered Mahalalel.
1. Vocabulary Breakdown
| Chinese Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Grammar Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 該南 / 该南 | Gāinán | Kenan (proper noun) | Proper noun |
| 活到 | huódào | Lived until | Verb |
| 七十 | qīshí | Seventy | Numeral |
| 歲 / 岁 | suì | Years (of age) | Measure word |
| 生了 | shēngle | Gave birth to; fathered | Verb |
| 瑪勒列 / 玛勒列 | Mǎlèlè | Mahalalel (proper noun) | Proper noun |
2. Grammar Explanation
- 該南 / 该南 (Gāinán): The proper noun for Kenan, one of the descendants of Seth.
- 活到 (huódào): Indicates the age Kenan reached before fathering Mahalalel, emphasizing the passage of time.
- 歲 / 岁 (suì): A measure word for years of age.
- 生了 (shēngle): Describes the act of fathering a child, referring to the birth of Mahalalel.
3. Pronunciation Practice
- 該南 / 该南 (Gāinán): [gāi nán] – “Gāi” has a high-level tone, and “nán” has a rising tone.
- 七十 (qīshí): [qī shí] – Both syllables have high-level tones. Ensure clarity in pronunciation.
- 瑪勒列 / 玛勒列 (Mǎlèlè): [mǎ lè lè] – “Mǎ” has a rising tone, and “lè” has a falling tone for both syllables.
4. Character Learning
Key Characters:
- 該南 / 该南 (Gāinán): Kenan, representing the continuation of the lineage from Enosh.
- 瑪勒列 / 玛勒列 (Mǎlèlè): Mahalalel, the next significant figure in the genealogical record, reflecting the ongoing generations.
- 七十 (qīshí): The numeral “seventy,” highlighting Kenan’s age when Mahalalel was born.
5. Cultural Insights
- Genealogical Importance: Both Hebrew and Chinese cultures emphasize the importance of recording genealogies. These records reflect lineage, legacy, and the continuation of familial and cultural heritage.
- Numerical Symbolism: In biblical and Chinese traditions, numbers often carry symbolic weight. The age of 70 is a milestone, marking maturity and the beginning of a new generation.
6. Mnemonics for Retention
- 該南 / 该南 (Gāinán): Remember Kenan as a key link in the genealogical chain, continuing the legacy of Seth.
- 瑪勒列 / 玛勒列 (Mǎlèlè): Mahalalel represents the ongoing story of humanity, a reminder of the passage of time and the continuation of life.
- 七十 (qīshí): The age Kenan reached before fathering Mahalalel, symbolizing the generational passage in biblical history.
7. Comparative Studies
- Comparison with Hebrew: The Hebrew text meticulously records ages and genealogies, reflecting a cultural emphasis on lineage. The Chinese translation similarly preserves this detail, showing a shared value in recording heritage.
- Comparison with Chinese Culture: The focus on genealogies and family continuity resonates deeply with Chinese traditions, where family and ancestral lineage are central to cultural identity.
8. Application
This verse encourages us to reflect on the importance of lineage and legacy. Kenan’s age at the birth of Mahalalel reminds us of the enduring human story and the responsibility of each generation to continue and preserve its heritage. In modern contexts, this can inspire us to value our own family histories and recognize the connections that bind us to previous generations.
