מֵהָעֹ֣וף לְמִינֵ֗הוּ וּמִן־הַבְּהֵמָה֙ לְמִינָ֔הּ מִכֹּ֛ל רֶ֥מֶשׂ הָֽאֲדָמָ֖ה לְמִינֵ֑הוּ שְׁנַ֧יִם מִכֹּ֛ל יָבֹ֥אוּ אֵלֶ֖יךָ לְהַֽחֲיֹֽות׃
飛鳥各從其類，牲畜各從其類，地上爬行的各從其類，每樣兩個會到你這裡，使它們得以存活。
飞鸟各从其类，牲畜各从其类，地上爬行的各从其类，每样两个会到你这里，使它们得以存活。
Fēiniǎo gè cóng qí lèi, shēngchù gè cóng qí lèi, dìshàng páxíng de gè cóng qí lèi, měi yàng liǎng gè huì dào nǐ zhèlǐ, shǐ tāmen déyǐ cún huó.
And from the birds according to their kinds, and from the livestock according to their kinds, and from every creeping thing of the ground according to its kind, two of every sort will come to you to keep them alive.
1. Vocabulary Breakdown
| Chinese Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Grammar Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 飛鳥 / 飞鸟 | fēiniǎo | Birds | Noun |
| 各 | gè | Each | Adverb |
| 從其類 / 从其类 | cóng qí lèi | According to their kind | Phrase |
| 牲畜 | shēngchù | Livestock | Noun |
| 地上 | dìshàng | On the ground | Adverbial phrase |
| 爬行 | páxíng | Creeping | Verb |
| 每樣 / 每样 | měi yàng | Every kind | Phrase |
| 兩個 / 两个 | liǎng gè | Two | Numeral |
| 到 | dào | To | Verb |
| 這裡 / 这里 | zhèlǐ | Here | Adverb |
| 使 | shǐ | To make, enable | Verb |
| 它們 / 它们 | tāmen | Them | Pronoun |
| 得以 | déyǐ | To be able | Verb |
| 存活 | cúnhuó | To survive | Verb |
2. Grammar Explanation
- 各從其類 / 各从其类 (gè cóng qí lèi): Refers to categorization, indicating that animals must be of the same kind. This phrase establishes order in the selection of animals.
- 兩個 / 两个 (liǎng gè): Specifies the number, “two,” which is critical for survival and reproduction.
- 使 (shǐ): A verb indicating causation, used here to express the action of enabling the animals to live.
3. Pronunciation Practice
- 飛鳥 / 飞鸟 (fēiniǎo): “Fēi” is flat, and “niǎo” is rising. Practice the tonal difference.
- 兩個 / 两个 (liǎng gè): “Liǎng” is rising, and “gè” is neutral. Emphasize the rising tone in “liǎng.”
- 存活 (cúnhuó): Both “cún” and “huó” have rising tones. Maintain tonal consistency.
4. Character Learning
Key Characters:
- 飛鳥 / 飞鸟 (fēiniǎo): Represents all kinds of birds, emphasizing their classification and inclusion.
- 牲畜 (shēngchù): Refers to domesticated animals, showcasing the distinction between wild and tame creatures.
- 存活 (cúnhuó): Signifies survival, central to the purpose of bringing animals onto the ark.
5. Cultural Insights
- Symbolism of Preservation: The selection of pairs of animals reflects themes of continuity, balance, and preservation that resonate across cultures.
- Order and Structure: The emphasis on each kind’s inclusion demonstrates the importance of organization in facing challenges, a universal principle in survival strategies.
6. Mnemonics for Retention
- 飛鳥 / 飞鸟 (fēiniǎo): Visualize birds of every kind flying into the ark in pairs.
- 牲畜 (shēngchù): Imagine livestock walking orderly onto the ark, guided by Noah.
- 兩個 / 两个 (liǎng gè): Picture two animals standing side by side, ready to board the ark.
7. Comparative Studies
- Comparison with Hebrew: The Hebrew “שְׁנַ֧יִם מִכֹּ֛ל” directly translates to “兩個 / 两个,” maintaining the emphasis on pairs.
- Comparison with English: Both Chinese and English translations highlight the necessity of taking two of each kind to ensure survival and continuity.
8. Application
This passage reminds us of the importance of preparation, order, and stewardship in safeguarding life. Noah’s careful obedience serves as a model for how we should approach challenges with forethought and responsibility, emphasizing the value of preserving diversity and respecting the interconnectedness of life on Earth.
