גַּ֣ם מֵעֹ֧וף הַשָּׁמַ֛יִם שִׁבְעָ֥ה שִׁבְעָ֖ה זָכָ֣ר וּנְקֵבָ֑ה לְחַיֹּ֥ות זֶ֖רַע עַל־פְּנֵ֥י כָל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃
又從天上的飛鳥中，每種帶七公七母，使牠們的種保存於全地面上。
又从天上的飞鸟中，每种带七公七母，使牠们的种保存于全地面上。
Yòu cóng tiānshàng de fēiniǎo zhōng, měi zhǒng dài qī gōng qī mǔ, shǐ tāmen de zhǒng bǎocún yú quán dìmiàn shàng.
Also from the birds of the heavens, take seven pairs, male and female, to keep their offspring alive on the face of the whole earth.
1. Vocabulary Breakdown
| Chinese Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Grammar Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 又 | yòu | Also | Adverb |
| 天上 | tiānshàng | Sky, heavens | Noun |
| 飛鳥 / 飞鸟 | fēiniǎo | Birds | Noun |
| 每種 / 每种 | měi zhǒng | Each kind | Adjective phrase |
| 七公七母 | qī gōng qī mǔ | Seven males and seven females | Noun phrase |
| 保存 | bǎocún | To preserve | Verb |
| 種 / 种 | zhǒng | Offspring, species | Noun |
| 全地面上 | quán dìmiàn shàng | Across the whole earth | Adverbial phrase |
2. Grammar Explanation
- 七公七母 (qī gōng qī mǔ): This phrase emphasizes pairing and repetition for completeness, a pattern commonly used in biblical texts.
- 保存種 / 保存种 (bǎocún zhǒng): The verb-object construction indicating the preservation of species or offspring.
3. Pronunciation Practice
- 天上 (tiānshàng): [tiān shàng] – Pronounce with both syllables in a high-level tone.
- 飞鸟 (fēiniǎo): [fēi niǎo] – “Fēi” has a high-level tone, and “niǎo” has a rising tone.
- 保存种 (bǎocún zhǒng): [bǎo cún zhǒng] – “Bǎo” has a rising tone, “cún” has a rising tone, and “zhǒng” has a falling tone.
4. Character Learning
Key Characters:
- 飞鸟 (fēiniǎo): Represents the creatures of the sky, emphasizing their inclusion in Noah’s preservation efforts.
- 保存 (bǎocún): A significant term referring to the act of safeguarding life, central to Noah’s mission.
5. Cultural Insights
- Preservation of Species: The meticulous instructions for preserving life reflect an ancient understanding of biodiversity and survival, values that resonate with contemporary ecological concerns.
- Symbolism of Numbers: The use of seven pairs reflects completeness and divine perfection in biblical numerology.
6. Mnemonics for Retention
- 七公七母 (qī gōng qī mǔ): Visualize pairs of birds entering the ark, emphasizing order and preservation.
7. Comparative Studies
- Comparison with Hebrew: The Hebrew “גַּ֣ם מֵעֹ֧וף הַשָּׁמַ֛יִם שִׁבְעָ֥ה שִׁבְעָ֖ה” is directly mirrored in the Chinese “又从天上的飞鸟中，每种带七公七母,” preserving the original emphasis on pairing and species.
- Comparison with English: The English translation “Also from the birds of the heavens, take seven pairs, male and female” captures the core meaning, highlighting the organized effort to preserve life.
8. Application
This verse emphasizes preparation and stewardship, central themes in the story of Noah. The focus on preserving pairs of birds reminds us of humanity’s role in protecting biodiversity and maintaining the balance of ecosystems. This responsibility resonates today, urging us to consider the impact of our actions on the environment and the creatures that share our planet.
