Genesis 6:14

KJV

Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.

KJV (with Strong's)

Make {H6213} thee an ark {H8392} of gopher {H1613} wood {H6086}; rooms {H7064} shalt thou make {H6213} in {H854} the ark {H8392}, and shalt pitch {H3722} it within {H1004} and without {H2351} with pitch {H3724}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Make yourself an ark of gofer-wood; you are to make the ark with rooms and cover it with pitch both outside and inside.

Berean Standard Bible

Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out.

American Standard Version

Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 6:14 records God's meticulously detailed command to Noah for the construction of the ark, a pivotal moment in divine history. This instruction serves as the foundational step in God's redemptive plan to preserve a righteous remnant of humanity and the animal kingdom from the impending global flood. The verse powerfully underscores God's righteous judgment against sin, His profound mercy in providing a way of salvation, and the essential role of human obedience in actualizing His sovereign purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This divine directive to Noah is situated immediately after God's profound grief and declaration of judgment over the pervasive wickedness and violence that had corrupted the entire earth. The preceding verses [Genesis 6:5-7](/genesis/6-5-7 "God's Sorrow Over Human Wickedness") vividly describe humanity's descent into depravity, leading God to lament His creation and resolve to "blot out mankind from the face of the earth." However, in stark contrast to this universal condemnation, [Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord](/genesis/6-8 "Noah Finds Grace in the Lord's Eyes"), being described as a "righteous man, blameless in his generation" [Genesis 6:9](/genesis/6-9 "Noah's Righteousness"). Therefore, the specific instructions for the ark's construction in verse 14 are not merely a practical building project but emerge as God's sovereign act of mercy and provision for salvation, set against the backdrop of global depravity and impending judgment. It marks a decisive turn from the narrative of human corruption to God's initiative for preservation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, large-scale construction projects, especially those involving timber and waterproofing, were known, though none on the scale of the ark. The concept of a global flood, while unique in its biblical scope, finds echoes in various ancient Mesopotamian flood narratives (e.g., the Epic of Gilgamesh), suggesting a shared memory of a cataclysmic event, albeit reinterpreted through different cultural lenses. Noah's world was characterized by widespread moral decay, a society "filled with violence" [Genesis 6:11](/genesis/6-11 "The Earth Filled with Violence"). Building such a massive vessel would have been an unprecedented and seemingly absurd undertaking in a world that had never experienced a global deluge, requiring immense faith and resilience from Noah and his family. The command to "pitch" the ark reflects common ancient waterproofing techniques using bitumen or tar, a practical necessity for maritime vessels of the time, yet imbued with deeper theological significance in this context.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 6:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Mercy**, showcasing God's righteous response to sin while simultaneously providing a gracious means of escape. The meticulous details of the command underscore **God's Sovereignty and Meticulous Planning**, revealing a God who is intimately involved in the specifics of His redemptive work. Furthermore, Noah's subsequent obedience to these precise instructions, as noted in [Genesis 6:22](/genesis/6-22 "Noah's Obedience"), establishes **Obedience as the Pathway to Deliverance and Blessing**, a foundational principle reiterated throughout scripture. The ark itself introduces the theme of **Salvation through a Chosen Vessel**, a concept that foreshadows later divine provisions for salvation, culminating in Christ. Finally, the use of "pitch" introduces the subtle yet profound theme of **Atonement and Covering**, which will be more fully developed in the Mosaic Law and ultimately fulfilled in the New Covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
God's command to Noah in Genesis 6:14 is characterized by remarkable precision and divine foresight, revealing a meticulous architect who leaves nothing to chance in His plan for salvation.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Make (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From H6213, a primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." This word implies not just a casual construction but a comprehensive act of accomplishment and performance. God is commissioning Noah to fully execute a specific, divine task, emphasizing the intentionality and completeness required in building the ark according to divine specifications.
* **Gopher (Hebrew, _gôpher'_):** From H1613, an unused root, probably meaning "to house in"; a kind of tree or wood, apparently the cypress. This term, unique to this passage, denotes a specific type of wood, widely understood to be a durable, resinous, and water-resistant timber like cypress or a type of pine. God's precise material choice underscores His meticulous care in providing for the ark's structural integrity and longevity, ensuring it could withstand the cataclysmic forces of the flood.
* **Pitch (Hebrew, _kâphar'_ and _kôpher'_):** The verb "shalt pitch" comes from H3722 (_kâphar_), meaning "to cover (specifically with bitumen); figuratively, to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel; appease, make (an) atonement." The noun "with pitch" comes from H3724 (_kôpher_), meaning "properly, a cover; (specifically) bitumen (as used for coating)." The profound significance lies in the linguistic connection between the physical act of "covering" the ark with bitumen for waterproofing and the theological concept of "atonement" – a covering for sin. This subtle wordplay hints at the greater spiritual salvation God would one day provide through a "covering" for humanity's sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Make thee an ark of gopher wood":** This is the foundational command, specifying the primary material for the vessel. The ark (Hebrew: _têbâh_, H8392) is not just any boat but a unique, divinely commissioned vessel designed for preservation. The choice of "gopher wood" highlights God's specific and practical provision for the ark's durability and water resistance, essential for its function as a refuge.
* **"rooms shalt thou make in the ark":** This instruction details the internal structure, emphasizing the necessity of compartments. These "rooms" (Hebrew: _qên_, H7064, also meaning "nest" or "chamber") were crucial for organizing and housing the vast array of creatures and provisions needed for sustaining life during the long period of the flood. This detail speaks to the ark's function not merely as a vessel but as a self-contained ecosystem, a testament to God's comprehensive plan for the preservation of life.
* **"and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch":** This final directive concerns the waterproofing of the ark. The command to apply pitch "within" (Hebrew: _bayith_, H1004, meaning "house" or "inside") and "without" (Hebrew: _chûwts_, H2351, meaning "outside" or "outward") ensures complete impermeability. This practical measure was vital for sealing the ark from the destructive waters. Theologically, as discussed in the Key Word Analysis, the word "pitch" (Hebrew: _kôpher_) carries a profound resonance with the concept of "atonement" (Hebrew: _kâphar_), providing a symbolic layer of meaning to this crucial act of covering.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 6:14 employs several significant literary devices. The primary device is **Divine Command**, where God issues direct, imperative instructions to Noah, highlighting His absolute authority and sovereign initiation of the salvation plan. The meticulous detail in the command, such as specifying "gopher wood" and "rooms," functions as **Precision** or **Specificity**, emphasizing God's careful design and forethought, leaving no aspect to chance. The ark itself is a powerful **Symbolism**, representing refuge, salvation, and God's provision amidst judgment. Furthermore, the linguistic connection between "pitch" (_kôpher_) and "atonement" (_kâphar_) serves as a profound example of **Foreshadowing** or **Typology**, subtly hinting at a deeper theological reality of spiritual covering and redemption that would be fully revealed later in biblical history. The repeated emphasis on "make" and "ark" creates a sense of **Repetition** that reinforces the central task and object of God's command.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 6:14 is rich with theological implications, serving as a foundational text for understanding God's character and His redemptive purposes. It reveals a God who is both just in His judgment of sin and merciful in His provision of salvation. The detailed nature of the command underscores His sovereignty and meticulous planning, demonstrating that His plans are precise and purposeful. Noah's faithful execution of these instructions highlights the critical role of human obedience as the necessary response to divine revelation, establishing a pattern for all who would seek deliverance through faith. The ark, therefore, becomes a powerful symbol of God's refuge, a physical manifestation of His protective care for His chosen ones amidst a world facing divine wrath.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "God's Detailed Instructions for the Tabernacle") - God's precise instructions for the Tabernacle parallel the detailed commands for the ark, illustrating His meticulous nature in all redemptive structures.
* [Hebrews 11:7](/hebrews/11-7 "Noah's Faith and Obedience") - Noah's obedience in building the ark is cited as an act of faith, by which he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
* [1 Peter 3:20-21](/1_peter/3-20-21 "The Ark as a Type of Baptism") - The ark is explicitly presented as a type of salvation through water, foreshadowing Christian baptism as an appeal to God for a good conscience.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 6:14 challenges believers today to consider the profound implications of God's specific commands in a world that often dismisses divine authority or prioritizes human ingenuity over divine wisdom. Like Noah, we are called to trust in God's blueprint for our lives, even when His instructions seem counter-intuitive, demand significant effort, or prepare us for realities yet unseen. This verse encourages a posture of diligent and precise obedience, reminding us that God's provision and protection are found within the boundaries of His revealed will. It urges us to build our lives, our families, and our ministries according to God's design, confident that His meticulous foresight ensures our ultimate safety and purpose, even amidst spiritual floods of judgment or cultural currents of depravity. Our faithful adherence, like Noah's, becomes a testament to God's saving power and a pathway for His grace to flow through us to others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might God be calling me to build or prepare according to His specific instructions, even if they seem unconventional or challenging?**
* **How does Noah's meticulous obedience in building the ark inspire or challenge my own commitment to following God's commands with precision and diligence?**
* **Considering the "pitch" as a covering, how does this verse deepen my understanding of God's provision for protection and atonement in my life?**
* **What "gopher wood" (resources, time, talents) has God given me that I need to dedicate to His purposes, even if the "flood" (challenge, judgment) seems distant?**

### FAQ
**What is "gopher wood" and why is it specified?**

Answer: The exact species of "gopher wood" (Hebrew: גֹּפֶר, _gôpher_) is unique to this passage and its precise botanical identification remains a subject of scholarly debate. However, it is widely understood to refer to a durable, resinous, and water-resistant timber, likely a type of cypress or pine. God specified this particular wood because of its inherent properties, ensuring the ark's structural integrity and its ability to remain watertight and buoyant throughout the cataclysmic flood. This detail underscores God's meticulous provision for the ark's efficacy as a vessel of salvation.

**Why did God give such detailed instructions for the ark?**

Answer: God gave such specific and detailed instructions for the ark for several crucial reasons. Practically, these blueprints ensured the ark's structural integrity, seaworthiness, and capacity to house and sustain all its inhabitants. Theologically, the precision demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty and meticulous care in carrying out His plans, leaving no room for human improvisation on such a critical mission. It also served as a test of Noah's faith and obedience, requiring him to trust and follow divine wisdom rather than his own understanding. The detailed nature of the command also foreshadows God's later precise instructions for the Tabernacle and Temple, emphasizing that His redemptive work is always according to His divine design, not human invention.

**What is the significance of "pitching it within and without"?**

Answer: Practically, pitching the ark with pitch (Hebrew: כֹּפֶר, _kôpher_) provided essential waterproofing, sealing the massive vessel from the destructive floodwaters. This ensured the safety and preservation of all life within. Theologically, the Hebrew word for "pitch," _kôpher_, is profoundly significant because it is directly related to the verb _kâphar_, meaning "to cover" or "to atone." This linguistic connection subtly weaves a deep theological thread into a practical command. Just as the physical pitch provided an impermeable covering that sealed the ark from judgment, it foreshadows the spiritual "covering" or atonement that God would provide for humanity's sin, protecting believers from divine wrath. This concept is central to the biblical understanding of salvation.

**How does Noah's obedience in building the ark relate to our faith today?**

Answer: Noah's obedience in building the ark was an extraordinary act of faith. He built a massive vessel in a world that had never seen such a flood, trusting God's word completely despite the apparent absurdity of the task. Similarly, our faith in God involves trusting and obeying His commands, even when the outcome is not immediately visible, the task seems overwhelming, or His ways seem counter-cultural to the world around us. Noah's example in [Hebrews 11:7](/hebrews/11-7 "Noah's Faith and Obedience") teaches us that true faith is demonstrated through obedient action, preparing for future realities based on God's revealed truth, confident that His way leads to true salvation and life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The ark, built according to God's precise command in [Genesis 6:14](/genesis/6-14 "God Commands Noah to Build the Ark"), stands as a profound and multifaceted type of Christ and the salvation He offers. Just as the ark was the sole means of salvation and refuge from God's righteous judgment upon a sinful world, Jesus Christ is the singular pathway to salvation from the ultimate judgment of sin. The "gopher wood" of the ark, chosen for its durability and resistance, points to Christ's perfect humanity and His unblemished nature, capable of bearing the full weight of divine wrath. The "rooms" within the ark, designed to house and preserve life, foreshadow the expansive and inclusive nature of Christ's salvation, which gathers all who believe into His protective embrace. Most profoundly, the "pitch" (_kôpher_) that covered the ark, sealing it from the destructive waters, beautifully foreshadows Christ's atoning sacrifice (_kâphar_) on the cross. His blood provides a spiritual covering and protection from God's wrath for all who believe, ensuring their safety and eternal life. Noah's faith-filled obedience in building the ark also points to Christ's perfect obedience to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross, which secured our salvation. As [Peter states in 1 Peter 3:20-21](/1_peter/3-20-21 "The Ark as a Type of Baptism"), the ark is a figure of baptism, which now saves us, not by removing dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the ark represents God's sovereign provision of a "way" for salvation, a truth fully realized in Jesus Christ who declares, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "Jesus says, I am the way, the truth, and the life in John 14:6")."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 3:20

Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

Luke 17:27

They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.

Matthew 24:38

For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

Exodus 2:3

And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid [it] in the flags by the river's brink.