וַיִּהְיוּ֙ כָּל־יְמֵ֣י מַהֲלַלְאֵ֔ל חָמֵ֤שׁ וְתִשְׁעִים֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵאֹ֖ות שָׁנָ֑ה וַיָּמֹֽת׃ ס
瑪哈拉列共活了八百九十五歲，然後死了。
玛哈拉列共活了八百九十五岁，然后死了。
Mǎhālāliè gòng huóle bābǎi jiǔshíwǔ suì, ránhòu sǐle.
Mahalalel lived a total of 895 years, and then he died.
1. Vocabulary Breakdown
| Chinese Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Grammar Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 瑪哈拉列 / 玛哈拉列 | Mǎhālāliè | Mahalalel (proper noun) | Proper noun |
| 共 | gòng | Total | Adverb |
| 活了 | huóle | Lived | Verb |
| 八百九十五 | bābǎi jiǔshíwǔ | 895 | Numeral |
| 歲 / 岁 | suì | Years old | Noun |
| 然後 / 然后 | ránhòu | Then | Adverb |
| 死了 | sǐle | Died | Verb |
2. Grammar Explanation
- 瑪哈拉列 / 玛哈拉列 (Mǎhālāliè): Proper noun referring to Mahalalel, an ancestor in the genealogy.
- 共 (gòng): Indicates the total duration of Mahalalel’s life.
- 八百九十五 (bābǎi jiǔshíwǔ): Numeral representing the age Mahalalel reached.
- 然後 / 然后 (ránhòu): Indicates a sequence of events, here referring to Mahalalel’s death following his life.
3. Pronunciation Practice
- 瑪哈拉列 / 玛哈拉列 (Mǎhālāliè): [mǎ hā lā liè] – Falling-rising, high-level, high-level, and falling tones.
- 八百九十五 (bābǎi jiǔshíwǔ): [bā bǎi jiǔ shí wǔ] – High-level, falling-rising, rising, rising, and falling tones.
- 然後 / 然后 (ránhòu): [rán hòu] – Rising and falling tones.
4. Character Learning
Key Characters:
- 瑪哈拉列 / 玛哈拉列 (Mǎhālāliè): The name Mahalalel, an important figure in the genealogy.
- 八百九十五 (bābǎi jiǔshíwǔ): Represents the total years Mahalalel lived, emphasizing his longevity.
5. Cultural Insights
- Longevity in Ancient Times: In the biblical context, the extended lifespans of early humans are often viewed as a sign of divine blessing, reflecting God’s close relationship with humanity. Similarly, in Chinese culture, long life is considered a supreme blessing, often celebrated and honored.
- Genealogy as Legacy: Both Hebrew and Chinese traditions place great emphasis on genealogies, underscoring the importance of lineage and the continuity of family history.
6. Mnemonics for Retention
- 瑪哈拉列 / 玛哈拉列 (Mǎhālāliè): Think of Mahalalel as an enduring figure whose life spans nearly a millennium.
- 八百九十五 (bābǎi jiǔshíwǔ): Imagine the number as a mark of longevity, a common theme in biblical narratives.
7. Comparative Studies
- Comparison with Hebrew:
- וַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ כָּל־יְמֵ֣י מַהֲלַלְאֵ֔ל חָמֵ֤שׁ וְתִשְׁעִים֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵאֹ֖ות שָׁנָ֑ה → 瑪哈拉列共活了八百九十五歲 Both texts emphasize the total lifespan of Mahalalel, reflecting a shared focus on genealogy and longevity.
- Comparison with Chinese Culture:
- Symbolism of Long Life: The biblical portrayal of extended lifespans mirrors the Chinese cultural reverence for longevity, often symbolized by peaches, cranes, and pine trees in Chinese art and literature.
8. Application
The longevity of Mahalalel inspires reflection on the themes of endurance and legacy. In modern times, this could encourage us to consider the lasting impact of our actions, values, and relationships. How we live today shapes the heritage we leave for future generations, reminding us of the importance of living a meaningful life that contributes to the broader story of humanity.
