Genesis 6:14 Meaning and Explanation
“Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God commands Noah to build an ark of gopher wood sealed with pitch.
The Context of Genesis 6:14
God commands Noah to begin building the ark.
What Does Genesis 6:14 Mean?
The covenant becomes active: God commands Noah to build an ark (tebah)—a vessel of salvation. The specific material is gopher wood (ets gopher), a wood whose exact identity is uncertain in modern terms, but one Noah would have known and found suitable. The ark must have rooms (qinnim)—compartments or nests. It must be sealed with pitch (kofer)—a waterproofing substance applied inside and outside. Every detail is specified; Noah's obedience will be measured against this design.
The command is practical and detailed. God does not merely promise preservation but provides the means and measurements. Noah must build, Noah must work, Noah must prepare. This is not passive salvation but active cooperation between God and human obedience.
Genesis 6:14 in the Original Language
tebah (תֵּבָה), 'ark' — a vessel or box; the same word appears in Genesis 2 for the basket carrying Moses. Here: a large container or ship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 6:14
What does Genesis 6:14 mean?
God commands Noah to build an ark of gopher wood sealed with pitch.
What is the context of Genesis 6:14?
God commands Noah to begin building the ark.