The Ark of Noah: Gopher Wood and Dimensions
Quick Summary
The Bible describes Noah’s Ark as a massive, three‑decked vessel made of gopher wood, sealed with pitch, and built to God’s specific dimensions. While the exact identity of gopher wood remains uncertain, its use in Genesis signals strength, durability, and the care God takes in preserving life during the flood.
Introduction
When Genesis tells the story of the flood, it gives surprising attention to the Ark’s construction. The text describes its size, shape, building materials, and purpose with a level of detail that echoes the seriousness of the moment. The Ark is more than a vessel. It is the place where life is preserved and where a new beginning quietly waits beneath heavy rains and swirling waters.
One of the most intriguing details is the mention of gopher wood, an ancient term whose precise meaning is unknown to us today. The design of the Ark, its materials, and its structure offer rich insight into how Genesis wants us to understand God’s provision, Noah’s obedience, and the weight of this world‑shaping event.
What Is Gopher Wood?
Gopher wood appears only once in Scripture, in Genesis 6:14. Because it is not mentioned elsewhere in ancient literature, scholars can only propose possibilities.
Several suggestions exist:
A type of evergreen such as cypress
A specially prepared or treated timber
A general term for durable building wood
Many translations choose "cypress" because of its historical use in shipbuilding. Others retain “gopher wood” to respect the uniqueness of the Hebrew term. Whichever specific wood it was, the text highlights its suitability for a large, resilient structure.
The emphasis is not on identifying the exact tree but on recognizing that God instructs Noah to use a strong, reliable material capable of enduring immense pressure.
To further your study, “The Lost World of the Flood” by Tremper Longman III and John Walton is accessible and explores the historical and literary background of the flood story.
Design Details of the Ark
Genesis 6:14–16 contains the core description of the Ark’s structure.
Shape and Structure
The Ark is portrayed as a long, rectangular vessel with three decks. Its purpose is stability rather than speed. The proportions reflect barge‑like construction—something capable of floating steadily under heavy load.
Dimensions
Using the common cubit of about eighteen inches, the Ark measures:
About 450 feet long
About 75 feet wide
About 45 feet high
These measurements produce a vessel larger than any known wooden ship of the ancient world and comparable in scale to modern barges.
Pitch Inside and Out
Genesis says the Ark is coated with pitch. This waterproofing method appears in multiple ancient cultures. Applying pitch both inside and outside would create a tight seal against water, adding strength and durability.
The Roof and the Opening
The Hebrew text describes a roof that likely allowed ventilation and admitted light. A single door on the side served as the entry point for Noah, his family, and the animals.
Three Decks
The three‑deck structure maximized space and function. It also reflects order and careful arrangement, reinforcing the sense of divine design.
Why Does Genesis Give These Details?
The description invites readers to see the Ark not as a mythic vessel but as something tangible and purposeful.
A Vessel Built in Obedience
The dimensions and materials emphasize Noah’s obedience. He follows detailed instructions, creating a large, carefully crafted structure according to God’s direction.
A Space of Preservation
The Ark is a place where God preserves life. Its size and strength mirror the breadth of God’s care for creation, even in a moment of judgment.
A Hint of New Creation
The Ark becomes the setting for a new beginning. Just as Genesis opens with God forming the world out of chaos, the story of the flood ends with a renewed world emerging from the waters.
Gopher Wood in the Ancient World
Even though we cannot identify gopher wood precisely, the narrative places it within a world that valued durable timbers. Ancient shipbuilders used woods that resisted decay and absorbed pitch well. Whether cypress, cedar, or a now‑lost term for prepared timber, gopher wood serves the story as a symbol of enduring strength.
The Ark in History and Interpretation
Historically, wooden vessels much longer than 300 feet face structural challenges. The Ark’s design, however, is less a navigational ship and more a floating refuge, built for survival. This aligns with its narrative purpose.
Theologically, the Ark becomes a sign of God’s mercy. It carries forward the promise of life, even as the waters rise. It also illustrates the deep trust Noah shows in following such an immense calling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do we know what gopher wood actually was?
No. The term appears only in Genesis 6:14. Many scholars suggest cypress or a type of prepared timber.
Was the Ark seaworthy at this size?
Its proportions match stable barge‑like designs focused on endurance rather than speed.
Could ancient builders make something this large?
Ancient shipbuilding techniques included large wooden structures, and the Ark’s design emphasizes flotation over maneuvering.
Why does the Bible give exact dimensions?
The measurements ground the story in concrete detail and underscore the magnitude of God’s provision and Noah’s obedience.
See Also
• Bible Measurement Converter Tool
