### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gôpher** `{{H1613}}` refers to a kind of tree or wood used for building. Appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, its meaning is derived from an unused root that probably means to house in. While its exact botanical identity is uncertain, its singular mention in scripture establishes it as the specific material chosen by God for constructing a vessel of preservation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H1613}}` is found in God's command to Noah in [[Genesis 6:14]]: "Make thee an **ark** of **gopher** wood." In this critical instruction, **gôpher** wood is designated as the foundational element for the **ark** `{{H8392}}` that would save Noah's family and the animal kingdom from the flood. The verse further specifies that this structure of **gôpher** wood was to contain **rooms** `{{H7064}}` and be sealed by being **pitched** `{{H3722}}` with **pitch** `{{H3724}}`, making it a secure and divinely specified dwelling.
### Related Words & Concepts
The significance of **gôpher** wood is illuminated by the words used in its immediate context:
* `{{H6086}}` **ʻêts** (a tree...wood): This is the general word for wood, which is paired with **gôpher** to specify the material for the ark [[Genesis 6:14]]. **ʻêts** is used throughout scripture to refer to significant trees, including the tree of life [[Proverbs 13:12]].
* `{{H8392}}` **têbâh** (a box; ark): This is the object constructed from **gôpher** wood. It served as the vessel of salvation for Noah's house [[Genesis 7:1]] and is also used to describe the basket that saved Moses [[Exodus 2:3]].
* `{{H7064}}` **qên** (a nest, room, dwelling): The ark made of **gôpher** wood was to contain these "rooms" or "nests," highlighting its function as a safe dwelling and place of refuge [[Genesis 6:14]]. This reinforces the likely root meaning of **gôpher** as a wood for "housing in."
* `{{H3722}}` **kâphar** (to cover...to expiate or condone): This verb describes the act of covering the ark with pitch [[Genesis 6:14]]. The same word is used throughout the Old Testament for making atonement [[Leviticus 17:11]] and making reconciliation for iniquity [[Daniel 9:24]].
* `{{H3724}}` **kôpher** (a cover...bitumen...a redemption-price): This noun, translated "pitch" in [[Genesis 6:14]], is the substance used to seal the **gôpher** wood. The word is also translated elsewhere as **ransom** [[Exodus 30:12]], linking the physical covering of the ark to the concept of a redemptive price.
### Theological Significance
Though mentioned only once, the theological weight of `{{H1613}}` is immense due to its context.
* **Material of Divine Salvation:** **gôpher** wood is the specific material God commanded for the building of the **ark** `{{H8392}}`, the sole instrument of physical deliverance from His judgment upon the earth [[Genesis 7:23]].
* **A Foundation for Atonement:** The instruction to cover the **gôpher** wood ark with **pitch** `{{H3724}}` uses the root word for atonement, **kâphar** `{{H3722}}`. This physical act of covering and sealing the vessel of salvation provides a powerful Old Testament picture of the concept of atonement and ransom.
* **Symbol of Sanctuary:** The probable root of **gôpher** ("to house in") and the command to build **rooms** `{{H7064}}` within the ark establish it as more than a boat. It is a divinely appointed sanctuary, a secure dwelling providing life and protection amidst overwhelming destruction.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1613}}` **gôpher** is far more than an obscure type of wood. As the chosen material for Noah's ark, it is integral to one of scripture's foundational narratives of judgment and salvation. Its singular appearance in [[Genesis 6:14]], coupled with the command to cover it with a substance linguistically tied to "atonement" and "ransom," elevates it from a simple building material to a profound symbol of the life-saving provision of God.
TRV