וַיָּבֹ֥אוּ אֶל־נֹ֖חַ אֶל־הַתֵּבָ֑ה שְׁנַ֤יִם שְׁנַ֨יִם֙ מִכָּל־הַבָּשָׂ֔ר אֲשֶׁר־בֹּ֖ו ר֥וּחַ חַיִּֽים׃
牠們兩個兩個地進入方舟，到挪亞那裏，就是凡有生命氣息的血肉之軀。
它们两个两个地进入方舟，到挪亚那里，就是凡有生命气息的血肉之躯。
Tāmen liǎng gè liǎng gè de jìnrù fāngzhōu, dào Nuóyà nàlǐ, jiùshì fán yǒu shēngmìng qìxī de xuèròu zhīqū.
They entered the ark two by two, to Noah, all creatures of flesh in which was the breath of life.
1. Vocabulary Breakdown
| Chinese Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Grammar Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 牠們 / 它们 | tāmen | They (animals) | Pronoun |
| 兩個兩個 / 两个两个 | liǎng gè liǎng gè | Two by two | Adverbial phrase |
| 進入 / 进入 | jìnrù | To enter | Verb |
| 方舟 | fāngzhōu | Ark | Noun |
| 挪亞 / 挪亚 | Nuóyà | Noah (proper noun) | Proper noun |
| 生命 | shēngmìng | Life | Noun |
| 氣息 / 气息 | qìxī | Breath | Noun |
| 血肉之軀 / 血肉之躯 | xuèròu zhīqū | Creatures of flesh | Noun |
2. Grammar Explanation
- 兩個兩個 / 两个两个 (liǎng gè liǎng gè): An adverbial phrase emphasizing the orderly manner in which the animals entered the ark.
- 進入 / 进入 (jìnrù): A verb describing the act of entering the ark.
- 挪亞 / 挪亚 (Nuóyà): Refers to Noah, the central figure in the flood narrative.
- 氣息 / 气息 (qìxī): “Breath,” symbolizing life within the creatures.
3. Pronunciation Practice
- 牠們 / 它们 (tāmen): [tā men] – Pronounce “tā” with a flat tone and “men” with a neutral tone.
- 進入 / 进入 (jìnrù): [jìn rù] – Pronounce “jìn” with a falling tone and “rù” with a falling tone.
- 氣息 / 气息 (qìxī): [qì xī] – Pronounce “qì” with a falling tone and “xī” with a flat tone.
4. Character Learning
Key Characters:
- 牠們 / 它们 (tāmen): Refers to the animals entering the ark.
- 方舟 (fāngzhōu): “Ark,” the vessel built by Noah as commanded by God.
- 血肉之軀 / 血肉之躯 (xuèròu zhīqū): “Creatures of flesh,” representing all living beings with life and breath.
5. Cultural Insights
- Order in Creation: The phrase “two by two” symbolizes the orderly nature of God’s creation and preservation.
- Symbolism of the Ark: The ark represents salvation and refuge, a theme that resonates across cultures as a symbol of divine protection.
6. Mnemonics for Retention
- 兩個兩個 / 两个两个 (liǎng gè liǎng gè): Imagine pairs of animals walking in an orderly line toward the ark.
- 血肉之軀 / 血肉之躯 (xuèròu zhīqū): Visualize the diversity of living creatures entering the ark.
7. Comparative Studies
- Comparison with Hebrew:
- שְׁנַ֨יִם שְׁנַ֜יִם: “Two by two” is mirrored in the Chinese 两个两个, maintaining the emphasis on the orderly entry.
- ר֥וּחַ חַיִּֽים: “Breath of life” corresponds to the Chinese 氣息, highlighting the divine essence of life.
8. Application
This verse highlights the preservation of life and the importance of order in God’s creation. It reminds us of the value of diversity and the responsibility to protect life. In a broader sense, it emphasizes preparation and obedience to divine instruction, which can inspire us to maintain harmony and sustainability in our actions.
