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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Ship: Built of Gopher Wood</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/naves/s/ship--built_of_gopher_wood.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/genesis/6-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/s/ship.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Ship</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--built_of_fir_wood.htm" title="Ship: Built of Fir Wood">◄</a> Ship: Built of Gopher Wood <a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--built--sealed_with_pitch_(tar).htm" title="Ship: Built: Sealed With Pitch (Tar?)">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#nav" title="Nave's Topical Index">Nave's</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The term "ship built of gopher wood" primarily refers to the construction of Noah's Ark, as described in the Book of Genesis. This vessel is one of the most significant ships mentioned in the Bible, serving as a divine instrument for the preservation of life during the Great Flood.<br><br><b>Biblical Reference:</b><br><br>The account of the Ark's construction is found in <a href="/genesis/6-14.htm">Genesis 6:14-16</a> : "Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out. And this is how you are to build it: The ark is to be three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high. You are to make a roof for the ark, finish the ark to within a cubit of the top, and put a door in the side of the ark. Make lower, middle, and upper decks."<br><br><b>Gopher Wood:</b><br><br>The exact identity of "gopher wood" remains a subject of debate among scholars and theologians. The term "gopher" is unique to this passage and does not appear elsewhere in the Bible. Some suggest it may refer to a specific type of tree, such as cypress or cedar, known for their durability and resistance to decay. Others propose that "gopher" could denote a method of construction or treatment of the wood, such as lamination or a particular type of joinery.<br><br><b>Construction and Design:</b><br><br>The Ark's dimensions, as specified in Genesis, indicate a massive structure designed to withstand the cataclysmic floodwaters. The use of pitch to coat the Ark inside and out suggests a focus on waterproofing, ensuring the vessel's buoyancy and integrity. The three decks provided ample space for Noah, his family, and the various animal species God commanded him to save.<br><br><b>Symbolism and Significance:</b><br><br>The Ark, built of gopher wood, symbolizes God's provision and salvation. It represents divine judgment against a corrupt world and the mercy extended to Noah and his family. The Ark's construction is an act of obedience and faith, as Noah followed God's precise instructions despite the absence of rain or visible signs of impending disaster.<br><br><b>Theological Implications:</b><br><br>From a theological perspective, the Ark prefigures Christ as the ultimate means of salvation. Just as Noah and his family were saved through the Ark, believers find refuge and deliverance through faith in Jesus Christ. The Ark's preservation of life during the flood foreshadows the new creation and restoration promised in the eschatological hope of Christianity.<br><br><b>Cultural and Historical Context:</b><br><br>In the ancient Near Eastern context, the account of a great flood and a hero building a vessel to save humanity is not unique to the Bible. Similar narratives appear in Mesopotamian literature, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh. However, the biblical account emphasizes monotheism, divine sovereignty, and moral accountability, distinguishing it from other flood myths.<br><br><b>Legacy and Influence:</b><br><br>The account of Noah's Ark has had a profound impact on art, literature, and theology throughout history. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's covenant with humanity and the promise never to destroy the earth by flood again, as signified by the rainbow in <a href="/genesis/9-13.htm">Genesis 9:13-17</a>. The Ark's construction from gopher wood remains a testament to faith, obedience, and divine grace.<a name="nav" id="nav"></a><div class="vheading2">Nave's Topical Index</div><span class="rtext"><a href="/context/genesis/6-1.htm">Genesis 6:1,4</a></span><br>And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them,<br><span class="source">Nave's Topical Index</span><p><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/leupold/exposition_of_genesis_volume_1/chapter_vi.htm"><span class="l">Chapter vi</span></a> <br><b>...</b> of tree is meant by the name "<b>gopher</b>." It may <b>...</b> with dimensions quite nearly proportionate<br> to those of a <b>ship</b>. <b>...</b> to specify that a "roof" should be <b>built</b>, and then <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter vi.htm</font><p><a href="/library/bunyan/the_works_of_john_bunyan_volumes_1-3/an_exposition_on_the_first.htm"><span class="l">An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of <b>...</b></span></a> <br>The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm</font><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bermuda-Triangle.html">Is there any truth to the Bermuda Triangle conspiracy theories? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/pleroma.html">What is the Pleroma? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/casting-lots.html">What was the practice of casting lots? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/ship.htm">Ship: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/ship.htm">Ship</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship_used_in_commerce.htm">Ship used in Commerce</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship_used_in_commerce_for_ferriage.htm">Ship used in Commerce for Ferriage</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship_used_in_commerce_for_passenger_traffic.htm">Ship used in Commerce for Passenger Traffic</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship_used_in_commerce_with_adramyttium.htm">Ship used in Commerce with Adramyttium</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship_used_in_commerce_with_ophir.htm">Ship used in Commerce with Ophir</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship_used_in_commerce_with_tarshish.htm">Ship used in Commerce with Tarshish</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--an_anchor.htm">Ship: An Anchor</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--at_melita_(malta).htm">Ship: At Melita (Malta)</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--built_by_jehoshaphat.htm">Ship: Built by Jehoshaphat</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--built_by_noah.htm">Ship: Built by Noah</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--built_by_solomon.htm">Ship: Built by Solomon</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--built_of_bulrushes.htm">Ship: Built of Bulrushes</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--built_of_fir_wood.htm">Ship: Built of Fir Wood</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--built_of_gopher_wood.htm">Ship: Built of Gopher Wood</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--built--sealed_with_pitch_(tar).htm">Ship: Built: Sealed With Pitch (Tar?)</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--equipped_with--a_helm.htm">Ship: Equipped With: A Helm</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--equipped_with--a_rudder.htm">Ship: Equipped With: A Rudder</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--equipped_with--tackling.htm">Ship: Equipped With: Tackling</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--figurehead.htm">Ship: Figurehead</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--lifeboats.htm">Ship: Lifeboats</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--masts.htm">Ship: Masts</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--oars.htm">Ship: Oars</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--repaired_by_caulking.htm">Ship: Repaired by Caulking</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--sails.htm">Ship: Sails</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--sails_embroidered.htm">Ship: Sails Embroidered</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--warships_used_by_chittim.htm">Ship: Warships Used by Chittim</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/ship--wrecked_at_ezion-geber.htm">Ship: Wrecked at Ezion-Geber</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/ship's.htm">Ship's (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/ship-boards.htm">Ship-boards (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/ship-master.htm">Ship-master (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tarshish-ship.htm">Tarshish-ship (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/phoenix.htm">Phoenix (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/aboard.htm">Aboard (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sailing.htm">Sailing (23 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shipwreck.htm">Shipwreck (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/anchor.htm">Anchor (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/adramyttium.htm">Adramyttium (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sail.htm">Sail (32 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/freight.htm">Freight (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/cargo.htm">Cargo (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sailors.htm">Sailors (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/surface.htm">Surface (71 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/crete.htm">Crete (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/board.htm">Board (47 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lighten.htm">Lighten (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sailed.htm">Sailed (28 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/navigate.htm">Navigate (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/overboard.htm">Overboard (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lightened.htm">Lightened (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/log.htm">Log (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lading.htm">Lading (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/trim.htm">Trim (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tackling.htm">Tackling (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mariners.htm">Mariners (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/flood.htm">Flood (70 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wives.htm">Wives (159 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wares.htm">Wares (23 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/thence.htm">Thence (152 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/voyage.htm">Voyage (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/livestock.htm">Livestock (124 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/loom.htm">Loom (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/letting.htm">Letting (41 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/way.htm">Way (7551 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/worship.htm">Worship (332 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/furniture.htm">Furniture (24 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/foreship.htm">Foreship (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/forge.htm">Forge (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rate.htm">Rate (23 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/embarked.htm">Embarked (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/deck.htm">Deck (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/draught.htm">Draught (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/myra.htm">Myra (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/port.htm">Port (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bottom.htm">Bottom (33 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/coasts.htm">Coasts (58 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/aground.htm">Aground (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/accompanied.htm">Accompanied (43 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/strike.htm">Strike (168 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sand.htm">Sand (40 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shipmaster.htm">Shipmaster (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/strain.htm">Strain (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/strand.htm">Strand (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/crowds.htm">Crowds (62 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/coast.htm">Coast (70 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/safe.htm">Safe (388 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/head.htm">Head (4291 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/straightway.htm">Straightway (96 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/boats.htm">Boats (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/draw.htm">Draw (212 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/deluge.htm">Deluge (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/heel.htm">Heel (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/waters.htm">Waters (386 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/centurion.htm">Centurion (22 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/loss.htm">Loss (90 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shore.htm">Shore (45 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tempest.htm">Tempest (30 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/prayed.htm">Prayed (97 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/leaving.htm">Leaving (80 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/burden.htm">Burden (111 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/entering.htm">Entering (124 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/course.htm">Course (87 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hooks.htm">Hooks (41 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/blow.htm">Blow (124 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/crowd.htm">Crowd (166 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/move.htm">Move (113 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div 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