צֹ֣הַר תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה לַתֵּבָ֗ה וְאֶל־אַמָּה֙ תְּכַלֶ֣נָּה מִלְמַ֔עְלָה וּפֶ֥תַח הַתֵּבָ֖ה בְּצִדָּ֣הּ תָּשִׂ֑ים תַּחְתִּיִּ֛ם שְׁנִיִּ֥ם וּשְׁלִשִׁ֖ים תַּֽעֲשֶֽׂהָ׃
你要為方舟做一個天窗，上緣距頂一肘。方舟的門要開在側邊，分上下三層。
你要为方舟做一个天窗，上缘距顶一肘。方舟的门要开在侧边，分上下三层。
Nǐ yào wèi fāngzhōu zuò yī gè tiānchuāng, shàngyuán jù dǐng yī zhǒu. Fāngzhōu de mén yào kāi zài cèbiān, fēn shàngxià sān céng.
You shall make a window for the ark, and finish it to a cubit from the top. Set the door of the ark on its side; make it with lower, second, and third decks.
1. Vocabulary Breakdown
| Chinese Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Grammar Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 天窗 | tiānchuāng | Window | Noun |
| 上緣 / 上缘 | shàngyuán | Upper edge | Noun |
| 距 | jù | Distance | Verb |
| 頂 / 顶 | dǐng | Top | Noun |
| 一肘 | yī zhǒu | One cubit | Measure phrase |
| 方舟 | fāngzhōu | Ark | Noun |
| 門 / 门 | mén | Door | Noun |
| 側邊 / 侧边 | cèbiān | Side | Noun |
| 分 | fēn | Divide | Verb |
| 三層 / 三层 | sān céng | Three levels | Numeral phrase |
2. Grammar Explanation
- 天窗 (tiānchuāng): “Window” specifies the opening on the ark for ventilation and light.
- 分上下三層 (fēn shàngxià sān céng): Describes the ark’s three levels, emphasizing its structural organization.
3. Pronunciation Practice
- 天窗 (tiānchuāng): [tiān chuāng] – Both syllables have high-level tones.
- 上緣 / 上缘 (shàngyuán): [shàng yuán] – “Shàng” has a falling tone, and “yuán” has a rising tone.
- 三層 / 三层 (sān céng): [sān céng] – “Sān” has a high-level tone, and “céng” has a rising tone.
4. Character Learning
- 天窗 (tiānchuāng): A significant element representing the ark’s functionality and livability.
- 方舟 (fāngzhōu): Symbolizes safety and God’s provision during judgment.
5. Cultural Insights
- Symbolism of the Ark’s Design: The detailed instructions for building the ark reflect the importance of preparation and obedience in the face of challenges.
- Three Levels: The division into three decks may symbolize order and planning, which resonate across various cultural narratives of divine guidance.
6. Mnemonics for Retention
- 天窗 (tiānchuāng): Imagine a small window providing light and air, emphasizing its necessity in a large enclosed structure.
- 三層 / 三层 (sān céng): Visualize the ark’s decks stacked like layers, aiding memory of its structure.
7. Comparative Studies
- Hebrew: The Hebrew word צֹ֣הַר (tzohar) refers to the window or opening, while the structure of the ark is specified with lower, middle, and upper decks.
- Chinese: The translation maintains the detail of the Hebrew text, emphasizing practical and symbolic aspects of the ark’s design.
8. Application
This verse demonstrates the importance of following detailed instructions, reflecting the broader principle of obedience in faith. In modern contexts, it highlights the necessity of careful planning and preparation to overcome challenges effectively. The ark’s design also reminds us that order and structure are essential in creating safe and functional spaces.
