וַאֲנִ֗י הִנְנִי֩ מֵבִ֨יא אֶת־הַמַּבּ֥וּל מַ֨יִם֙ עַל־הָאָ֔רֶץ לְשַׁחֵ֣ת כָּל־בָּשָׂ֗ר אֲשֶׁר־בֹּו֙ ר֣וּחַ חַיִּ֔ים מִתַּ֖חַת הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם כֹּ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־בָּאָ֖רֶץ יִגְוָֽע׃
看哪，我要使洪水泛濫在地上，毀滅地上所有有生命氣息的血肉之軀；凡在地上的都必死亡。
看哪，我要使洪水泛滥在地上，毁灭地上所有有生命气息的血肉之躯；凡在地上的都必死亡。
Kàn nǎ, wǒ yào shǐ hóngshuǐ fànlàn zài dìshàng, huǐmiè dìshàng suǒyǒu yǒu shēngmìng qìxī de xiěròu zhīqū; fán zài dìshàng de dōu bì sǐwáng.
Behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life under heaven; everything that is on the earth shall perish.
1. Vocabulary Breakdown
| Chinese Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Grammar Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 看哪 | Kàn nǎ | Behold | Interjection |
| 洪水 | hóngshuǐ | Flood | Noun |
| 泛濫 / 泛滥 | fànlàn | Overflow, flood | Verb |
| 地上 | dìshàng | On the earth | Prepositional phrase |
| 毀滅 / 毁灭 | huǐmiè | Destroy | Verb |
| 生命 | shēngmìng | Life | Noun |
| 氣息 / 气息 | qìxī | Breath | Noun |
| 血肉 | xiěròu | Flesh | Noun |
| 死亡 | sǐwáng | Die, perish | Verb |
2. Grammar Explanation
- 泛濫 / 泛滥 (fànlàn): “Overflow” or “flood” is used to describe the action of water overtaking the land.
- 地上 (dìshàng): Specifies location, emphasizing the scope of destruction as being worldwide.
- 氣息 / 气息 (qìxī): Refers to the “breath of life,” a poetic expression emphasizing living beings.
3. Pronunciation Practice
- 洪水 (hóngshuǐ): [hóng shuǐ] – “Hóng” has a rising tone, and “shuǐ” has a falling tone.
- 生命 (shēngmìng): [shēng mìng] – Both syllables have high-level tones, emphasizing the term for “life.”
- 毀滅 / 毁灭 (huǐmiè): [huǐ miè] – Both syllables have falling tones, making the pronunciation sharp and decisive.
4. Character Learning
- 洪水 (hóngshuǐ): A central theme of judgment and cleansing in the biblical story.
- 生命 (shēngmìng): Highlights the value of life and the tragedy of its destruction.
5. Cultural Insights
- Symbolism of the Flood: The flood represents judgment but also renewal. Similar themes are found in many cultures’ myths and legends.
- Destruction and Preservation: While destruction is emphasized, the promise of renewal through Noah’s obedience underscores the theme of hope.
6. Mnemonics for Retention
- 洪水 (hóngshuǐ): Imagine an overwhelming flood covering the earth, symbolizing God’s power and judgment.
- 生命 / 氣息 (shēngmìng / qìxī): Think of the “breath of life” as the delicate and precious essence of existence.
7. Comparative Studies
- Hebrew: The Hebrew word מַבּ֥וּל (*mabul*) refers specifically to the flood narrative, emphasizing its unique role in the biblical text.
- Chinese: The translation maintains the Hebrew imagery of total destruction but also emphasizes the dramatic nature of the flood.
8. Application
This verse highlights the themes of divine judgment and the consequences of human corruption. It reminds us of the importance of stewardship, responsibility, and obedience to divine will. In our modern context, the flood serves as a metaphor for overwhelming challenges and the need for faith, preparation, and moral integrity to overcome them.
