וּמִכָּל־֠הָחַי מִֽכָּל־בָּשָׂ֞ר שְׁנַ֧יִם מִכֹּ֛ל תָּבִ֥יא אֶל־הַתֵּבָ֖ה לְהַחֲיֹ֣ת אִתָּ֑ךְ זָכָ֥ר וּנְקֵבָ֖ה יִֽהְיֽוּ׃
從所有活物中，每一種你要帶進方舟兩個，以保全性命；要有公的和母的。
从所有活物中，每一种你要带进方舟两个，以保全性命；要有公的和母的。
cóng suǒyǒu huówù zhōng, měi yī zhǒng nǐ yào dài jìn fāngzhōu liǎng gè, yǐ bǎoquán xìngmìng; yào yǒu gōng de hé mǔ de.
From all living creatures of all flesh, you shall bring two of every kind into the ark to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female.
1. Vocabulary Breakdown
| Chinese Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Grammar Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 從 / 从 | cóng | From | Preposition |
| 所有 | suǒyǒu | All | Adjective |
| 活物 | huówù | Living creatures | Noun |
| 中 | zhōng | Among, in | Preposition |
| 每一種 / 每一种 | měi yī zhǒng | Each kind | Adjective phrase |
| 帶進 / 带进 | dài jìn | Bring in | Verb |
| 方舟 | fāngzhōu | Ark | Noun |
| 兩個 / 两个 | liǎng gè | Two | Numeral phrase |
| 保全 | bǎoquán | Preserve | Verb |
| 性命 | xìngmìng | Life | Noun |
| 公的 | gōng de | Male | Adjective |
| 和 | hé | And | Conjunction |
| 母的 | mǔ de | Female | Adjective |
2. Grammar Explanation
- 從 / 从 (cóng): Indicates the starting point or origin, translated as “from” in this sentence.
- 所有 (suǒyǒu): Means “all,” referring to the entirety of the living creatures.
- 每一種 / 每一种 (měi yī zhǒng): “Each kind,” emphasizing individual species or kinds of living beings.
- 帶進 / 带进 (dài jìn): “Bring in,” specifying the action Noah must take regarding the creatures.
- 方舟 (fāngzhōu): “Ark,” the vessel Noah was commanded to build to save life during the flood.
- 兩個 / 两个 (liǎng gè): “Two,” indicating the number of each species to be brought into the ark.
- 公的 / 母的 (gōng de / mǔ de): Male and female, denoting the required genders of the creatures.
3. Pronunciation Practice
- 從 / 从 (cóng): Pronounced with a rising tone. Ensure the tone rises gently.
- 每一種 / 每一种 (měi yī zhǒng): “Měi” is rising, “yī” is flat, and “zhǒng” is falling. Pronounce clearly to differentiate tones.
- 方舟 (fāngzhōu): Both syllables have a flat tone. Maintain a steady pitch.
- 公的 / 母的 (gōng de / mǔ de): “Gōng” and “mǔ” are both flat. “De” is neutral and unstressed.
4. Character Learning
Key Characters:
- 從 / 从 (cóng): Indicates origin or starting point, a common preposition in commands or instructions.
- 方舟 (fāngzhōu): Refers to the ark, an important term in the context of Noah’s story.
- 保全 (bǎoquán): Means “preserve” or “protect,” highlighting the purpose of bringing animals into the ark.
- 公的 / 母的 (gōng de / mǔ de): Specify male and female, necessary for the continuation of species.
5. Cultural Insights
- The Symbolism of the Ark: In many cultures, an ark or similar vessel represents protection, refuge, and hope during times of disaster. The ark in Noah’s story symbolizes God’s provision and care for creation.
- Male and Female Pairs: The emphasis on male and female pairs reflects the natural order and necessity of procreation. This aspect aligns with the understanding in many traditions that continuity depends on balanced and paired relationships.
6. Mnemonics for Retention
- 方舟 (fāngzhōu): Imagine a large, sturdy boat floating amidst a storm, preserving life.
- 公的 / 母的 (gōng de / mǔ de): Picture pairs of animals, one male and one female, entering the ark together.
- 兩個 / 两个 (liǎng gè): Recall the image of two animals of each kind standing side by side.
7. Comparative Studies
- Comparison with Hebrew: The phrase “שְׁנַ֧יִם מִכֹּ֛ל” corresponds to “兩個 / 两个” in Chinese, directly translating to “two of every kind.” Both emphasize the pairing necessary for survival and procreation.
- Comparison with English: The English translation, “Two of every kind,” aligns closely with the Chinese structure, emphasizing Noah’s role in preserving species continuity.
8. Application
This passage serves as a reminder of responsibility and preparation in times of impending disaster. Noah’s obedience in bringing pairs of animals into the ark underscores the importance of foresight and cooperation. In contemporary contexts, this can inspire us to act responsibly in preserving biodiversity and preparing for environmental challenges. The story encourages proactive stewardship of resources and care for all living beings, reflecting the interconnectedness of life.
