Genesis 6:21

וְאַתָּ֣ה קַח־לְךָ֗ מִכָּל־מַֽאֲכָל֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֵֽאָכֵ֔ל וְאָסַפְתָּ֖ אֵלֶ֑יךָ וְהָיָ֥ה לְךָ֛ וְלָהֶ֖ם לְאָכְלָֽה׃

你要帶上各種可吃的食物,收集起來,作為你和它們的食物。」

你要带上各种可吃的食物,收集起来,作为你和它们的食物。」

Nǐ yào dài shàng gè zhǒng kě chī de shíwù, shōují qǐlái, zuòwéi nǐ hé tāmen de shíwù.

Take with you every kind of food that is edible, and gather it to yourself; it will be food for you and for them.”

1. Vocabulary Breakdown

Chinese Character Pinyin Meaning Grammar Role
You Pronoun
yào Need, must Verb
帶上 / 带上 dài shàng Bring along Verb
各種 / 各种 gè zhǒng Every kind Phrase
可吃的 kě chī de Edible Adjective
食物 shíwù Food Noun
收集 shōují Gather Verb
起來 / 起来 qǐlái Up Complement
作為 / 作为 zuòwéi As Verb
You Pronoun
And Conjunction
它們 / 它们 tāmen Them Pronoun
食物 shíwù Food Noun

2. Grammar Explanation

  • 帶上 / 带上 (dài shàng): Indicates the action of bringing or taking along something.
  • 作為 / 作为 (zuòwéi): Used to indicate the purpose or function of something, here as food for Noah and the animals.
  • 可吃的 (kě chī de): Describes food that is edible, modifying “food” (食物).

3. Pronunciation Practice

  • 帶上 / 带上 (dài shàng): “Dài” has a falling tone, and “shàng” also has a falling tone. Ensure clarity.
  • 各種 / 各种 (gè zhǒng): “Gè” has a falling tone, and “zhǒng” has a rising tone. Pronounce distinctly.
  • 食物 (shíwù): “Shí” has a rising tone, and “wù” has a falling tone. Balance the tones properly.

4. Character Learning

Key Characters:

  • 帶上 / 带上 (dài shàng): Indicates bringing or carrying something important.
  • 收集 (shōují): Represents the action of collecting, vital for preparation.
  • 作為 / 作为 (zuòwéi): A functional verb that describes purpose or designation.

5. Cultural Insights

  • Preparation and Foresight: The verse highlights the need for readiness and strategic thinking, themes prevalent in both biblical and Chinese traditions of survival and planning.
  • Unity with Nature: Gathering all kinds of edible food symbolizes the connection between humanity and the environment, reflecting stewardship over creation.

6. Mnemonics for Retention

  • 帶上 / 带上 (dài shàng): Visualize Noah carefully bringing food onto the ark, ensuring survival.
  • 收集 (shōují): Imagine the process of gathering and organizing food for the journey.
  • 作為 / 作为 (zuòwéi): Picture food being designated specifically for consumption by Noah and the animals.

7. Comparative Studies

  • Comparison with Hebrew: The Hebrew phrase “מִכָּל־מַֽאֲכָל” aligns with the Chinese “各種可吃的食物,” both emphasizing the comprehensive collection of food.
  • Comparison with English: The English translation closely mirrors the Chinese in specifying the function of the food for Noah and the animals.

8. Application

This verse emphasizes the importance of preparation and foresight in the face of impending challenges. It reminds us to be mindful of our needs and the needs of others under our care, demonstrating the principle of stewardship. By providing for both himself and the animals, Noah models responsible leadership and planning, applicable to modern life in the realms of sustainability, resource management, and mutual care.

 

By moxi

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