by Bob Burridge ©2017
The great ark built by Noah wasn’t a large boat. The “replicas” made for most Bible tourist attractions have a rounded hull and pointed bow. But that’s not consistent with the description we have of it in the Bible.
Genesis 6:14 and the verses that follow describe the ark God told Noah to make. The Hebrew word used for Noah’s “ark” is “tevah” (תבה ). It’s the word used to describe the basket Moses was placed in as a baby (Exodus 2:3). The word used for the “Ark of the Covenant” in the books of Moses is “aron” (ארון), (Exodus 25:10). That’s a synonym meaning a box or chest. It was the chest into which Moses placed the Ten Commandments, the Manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded.
In the New Testament the Ark of the Covenant is referred to in Hebrews 9:4 by the Greek word “kibōtos” (κιβωτός). The same word used in Matthew 24:38 to refer to the Ark of Noah.
When a “boat” is mentioned in the Old Testament the Hebrew word used is “‛ăbârâh” (עברה). It’s used in 2 Samuel 19:18 referring to a ferry boat. When a “ship” is mentioned in the Old Testament it translates a few different words. [Proverbs 30:19 אניּה (‘onı̂yâh), Isaiah 32:21צי (tsı̂y), and Jonah’s ship to Tarsus in Jonah 1:3 אניּה (‘onı̂yâh)]. The Hebrew word for “ark” (tevah) is never used for a sea-going vessel such as a ship or boat. It’s always used to describe a rectangular chest, box, or basket.
When the New Testament refers to a “boat” or “ship” it uses several Greek words depending upon the kind of vessel it was [πλοιάριον (ploiarion), σκάφη (skaphae), πλοῖον (ploion)].For Noah’s Ark and the Ark of the Covenant it uses the word “kibotos” (κίβωτος).
Since Noah’s ark was designed to simply float out the storm and flood there would be no purpose in a rounded streamlined hull or a pointed bow. It would not be cutting through the water on a path to some destination. There were no instructions from God to design it in any other way than what the simple ordinary meaning of the word for “ark” describes. It appears that the ark of Noah was a large box shaped structure.
According to Genesis 6:15 it was 450 feet long (300 cubits). That’ss the length of one and a half football fields not counting the end-zones. It was 75 feet wide (a little less than half the width of a football field which is 160 feet wide), and 45 feet tall (a little higher than a four-story building). That makes it’s interior space as large as 1,518,750 cubic feet.
Genesis 6:16 tells us that it also had a roof set one cubit (18 inches) above the structure. A door was cut into the side of the ark, and the interior was divided into three decks. After Noah’s family and the gathered animals entered the ark it says in Genesis 7:16 that God shut them in. Whatever kind of door was cut out, it was sealed shut effectively by God himself to assure that no water would seep in.
Most think they just took 2 of each kind of animal on the Ark. But that’s not exactly what it says in Genesis 6:19-21.
19. And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ark to keep them alive with you. They shall be male and female.
20. Of the birds according to their kinds, and of the animals according to their kinds, of every creeping thing of the ground, according to its kind, two of every sort shall come in to you to keep them alive.
21. Also take with you every sort of food that is eaten, and store it up. It shall serve as food for you and for them.”
But notice what it says in Genesis 7:2-3, ‘Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male and his mate, and a pair of the animals that are not clean, the male and his mate, and seven pairs of the birds of the heavens also, male and female,to keep their offspring alive on the face of all the earth.”
Two of each kind referes to genders, male and female of each. (Hebrew scholars such as the Mediaval Rabbi Jarchi)
Genesis 8:6 mentions Noah opening a window in the ark through which he released doves. They were to bring back vegetation indicating that the waters had sufficiently subsided.
When explaining the events recorded in God’s word it’s helpful to be as accurate as possible. We need to teach the way things really were showing respect for the final authority and accuracy of the Bible. Teachers and theme parks should use Biblically accurate pictures and models.
The Biblical story of Noah’s Ark teaches us about God’s power and judgment. There are many accounts in the Bible about the seriousness of rebellion against God. We also see God’s judgment poured out at Sodom & Gomorrah, and when He had his rebellius nation of Israel defeated and taken captive by foreign armies.
There have been harsh judgments against those openly sinning, God also shows his preserving grace in rescuing and restoring His humbled and faithful people.
God brings judgment when needed to show the seriousness of rebellion against His revealed truth, to advance his promises, and to stir up His people to renewed obedience.
There will be a great judgment day. Those God has redeemed by His grace will be transformed to glory. Our duty is to live through challenging times living as faithful testimonies to God’s Sovereign oversight and care.