Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 6:14
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
The word tebáh means ark, like the vessel Noah built or the basket that held Moses as a baby. It is often translated as ark in the Bible.
Definition: 1) ark 1a) vessel which Noah built 1b) basket vessel in which Moses was placed
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: ark. See also: Genesis 6:14; Genesis 7:23; Exodus 2:5.
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
Gopher refers to a type of tree, possibly cypress, used for building, notably in Noah's ark. The exact type of tree is unknown, but it was durable enough for the ark's construction.
Definition: 1) cypress?, gopher, gopher wood 1a) wood of which the ark was made 1b) meaning and exact type unknown
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: gopher. See also: Genesis 6:14.
A nest is a place where birds or other animals lay their eggs or give birth to their young, and it can also refer to a cozy room or dwelling. In the Bible, nests are mentioned in stories about birds and other creatures, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) nest 1a) nest (of bird) 1b) cells (like nests in Noah's ark)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: nest, room. See also: Genesis 6:14; Psalms 84:4; Proverbs 27:8.
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
The word tebáh means ark, like the vessel Noah built or the basket that held Moses as a baby. It is often translated as ark in the Bible.
Definition: 1) ark 1a) vessel which Noah built 1b) basket vessel in which Moses was placed
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: ark. See also: Genesis 6:14; Genesis 7:23; Exodus 2:5.
To cover means to coat or cover something, like when the ark was covered with pitch to protect it. This word is also used figuratively to describe making amends or forgiving someone, like in a sacrifice or atonement.
Definition: 1) to cover, purge, make an atonement, make reconciliation 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to cover over, pacify, propitiate 1a2) to cover over, atone for sin, make atonement for 1a3) to cover over, atone for sin and persons by legal rites 1b) (Pual) 1b1) to be covered over 1b2) to be atoned for 1c) (Hithpael) to be covered
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile(-liation). See also: Genesis 6:14; Leviticus 16:32; Psalms 65:4.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
This Hebrew word means a cover or a village, and also refers to bitumen, henna, and a redemption price. It is translated as bribe, ransom, or satisfaction in the KJV Bible. The word has various meanings in different contexts.
Definition: price of a life, ransom, bribe
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: bribe, camphire, pitch, ransom, satisfaction, sum of money, village. See also: Genesis 6:14; Job 36:18; Psalms 49:8.
Context — Preparing the Ark
12And God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways.
13Then God said to Noah, “The end of all living creatures has come before Me, because through them the earth is full of violence. Now behold, I will destroy both them and the earth.
14Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out.
15And this is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high.
16You are to make a roof for the ark, finish its walls a cubit from the top, place a door in the side of the ark, and build lower, middle, and upper decks.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
1 Peter 3:20 |
who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In the ark a few people, only eight souls, were saved through water. |
| 2 |
Luke 17:27 |
People were eating and drinking, marrying and being given in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. |
| 3 |
Matthew 24:38 |
For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. |
| 4 |
Exodus 2:3 |
But when she could no longer hide him, she got him a papyrus basket and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in the basket and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. |
Genesis 6:14 Summary
[In Genesis 6:14, God gives Noah very specific instructions to build an ark, a large boat, to save himself, his family, and many animals from a great flood. This shows us that God is a God of details and cares about the smallest aspects of our lives, as we see in Matthew 10:29-31. By obeying God's commands, Noah was able to trust in God's plan and provision, even in the face of uncertainty and danger, and this trust is a model for our own faith, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God instruct Noah to use gopher wood for the ark?
The Bible doesn't specifically state why gopher wood was chosen, but it may have been due to its durability and availability, as seen in the detailed instructions for the ark's construction in Genesis 6:14-16, which also emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, as Noah obeyed God in Genesis 6:22.
What is the significance of coating the ark with pitch inside and out?
Coating the ark with pitch, a waterproofing material, was crucial to ensure the ark's buoyancy and to protect its inhabitants from the floodwaters, as God promised to save Noah and his family in Genesis 6:18, and this act of salvation is a beautiful picture of God's redemption plan, as seen in 1 Peter 3:20-21.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of the flood in Genesis?
Genesis 6:14 is a pivotal verse in the story of the flood, as it marks the beginning of God's instructions to Noah to build the ark, which would ultimately save him, his family, and two of every kind of animal from the coming judgment, as described in Genesis 7:1-5, and this event is also a symbol of God's judgment and salvation, as referenced in 2 Peter 2:5.
What can we learn from Noah's obedience to God's command in this verse?
Noah's obedience to God's command to build the ark, despite its seemingly impossible task, teaches us the importance of trusting and obeying God's will, even when we don't fully understand it, as Noah's faith is commended in Hebrews 11:7, and this faith is a model for our own walk with God, as encouraged in Romans 1:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust and obey God's commands, even if they seem difficult or unclear?
- How can I apply the principle of preparation and obedience, as seen in Noah's building of the ark, to my own life and spiritual journey?
- What does this verse teach me about God's character, particularly in relation to His justice and mercy, as seen in the story of the flood?
- In what ways can I, like Noah, be a vessel for God's salvation and redemption in my own community and world, as inspired by the story of the ark and the flood?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 6:14
Make thee an ark of Gopher wood,.... It is not called a ship, for it was not made for sailing to any distant parts, but an ark or chest, being like one, flat bottomed, and ridged and sloping upwards,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 6:14
Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 6:14
An ark; a little ship made in the form of an ark or chest, but probably sloping at the bottom for the convenience of navigation, as it was for another reason sloping at the top. Gopher wood: this word is but once used in Scripture, and therefore it is diversely rendered by the learned; by some pine, by many cedar, but by others cypress, a tree very proper and usual for ships, and of a firm and durable substance, and much abounding in those parts; all which appears from ancient authors. With pitch; or rather, with some kind of bitumen, of the same nature and use with pitch, to cement the parts of the ark together, and to preserve it from the injuries of the sun, and water, and worms; but more odoriferous, to correct the unpleasant scent of some of the creatures.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 6:14
Genesis 6:14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.Ver. 14. Make thee an ark.] Or chest, or coffin. And indeed by the description here set down, the ark, in shape, was like to a coffin for a man’ s body, six times so long as it was broad, and ten times so long as it was high: and so fit to figure out, saith an interpreter, Christ’ s death and burial, and ours with him, by mortification of the old man: as the apostle applies this type to baptism, whereby we are become "dead" and "buried with Christ". The poets’ ship, "Argos," may have reference to this ark. Mr Ainsworth.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 6:14
(14) Make thee an ark.—Têbâh, a word so archaic that scholars neither know its derivation, nor even to what language it belongs. It is certain, however, that it was an oblong box, not capable of sailing, but intended merely to float. In the Chaldean account of the deluge, the language everywhere is that of a maritime people: the history in Genesis is as plainly the work of a people living inland. Of gopher wood.—Heb., trees (or beams) of gopher This is also a word which occurs nowhere else, but means the cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), a tall, upright evergreen tree, of great durability, and anciently much valued for shipbuilding. Rooms.—Literally, nests, small cells or cabins, arranged in three tiers, so that the interlacing of the timbers might aid in holding the whole structure together. Pitch.—That is, natural bitumen. The ark therefore must have been built in some country where this natural product is easily obtainable, as in Assyria.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 6:14
Verse 14. Make thee an ark] תבת tebath, a word which is used only to express this vessel, and that in which Moses was preserved, Exodus 2:3; Exodus 2:5. It signifies no more than our word vessel in its common acceptation - a hollow place capable of containing persons, goods, c., without any particular reference to shape or form. Gopher wood] Some think the cedar is meant others, the cypress. Bochart renders this probable, 1. From the appellation, supposing the Greek word κυπαρισσος, cypress, was formed from the Hebrew גפר, gopher; for take away the termination ισσος, and then gopher and κυπαρ will have a near resemblance. 2. Because the cypress is not liable to rot, nor to be injured by worms. 3. The cypress was anciently used for ship-building. 4. This wood abounded in Assyria, where it is probable Noah built the ark. After all, the word is of doubtful signification, and occurs nowhere else in the Scriptures.
The Septuagint render the place, εκξυλωντετπαγωνων, "of square timber;" and the Vulgate, de lignis laevigatis, "of planed timber;" so it is evident that these translators knew not what kind of wood was intended by the original. The Syriac and Arabic trifle with the passage, rendering it wicker work, as if the ark had been a great basket! Both the Targums render it cedar; and the Persian, pine or fir.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 6:14
14. an ark] The word here used, tκbβh, is only found in this passage and in Exodus 2:3-5. It is of foreign origin; according to some, an Egyptian word; according to others, derived from the Assyrian. LXX κιβωτός, Lat. arca, which our translators adopted and transliterated. The “ark” of the Covenant (e.g. Exodus 25:10) is another Heb. word, ’arτn, but unfortunately rendered also by LXX κιβωτός, Lat. arca. gopher wood] A word only used here. “Gopher” is said to be a resinous coniferous tree, possibly the “cypress” (cuparissus), to which word it may be akin. The versions, not realizing that it was a botanical description, made wild guesses at the meaning. Thus LXX ἐκξύλωντετραγώνων = “of squared beams”: so, Vet. Lat. ligna quadrata, Vulg. ligna laevigata. rooms] The meaning is obvious. The interior of the ark was to consist of cabins, or cubicles. The sentence would be rendered literally, “nests shalt thou make the ark.” Vulg. mansiunculas. pitch] Heb. kopher, a word only found here in the Bible, and its resemblance in pronunciation to “gopher” (see above), is, to say the least, strange.
The Assyrian word for bitumen is kupru, and that word is used in the Babylonian account, in which the hero of the Flood is made to say, “Six sars of bitumen (kupru) I spread over it for caulking.” The word suggests (1) that there is some connexion of the Hebrew story with the Babylonian version, (2) that the region was the Euphrates Valley in which bitumen was freely obtainable. The word in Exodus 2:3 is not kopher, but khκmar, which is also found in Genesis 11:3; Genesis 14:10.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 6:14
14. Make thee an ark — ϊαδ, a word applied only to the structure built by Noah and to the little papyrus vessel made by the mother of Moses, (Exodus 2:3,) and like this, “daubed with slime and with
Sermons on Genesis 6:14
| Sermon | Description |
|
Are You Holding Hands With Satan or Jesus
by Zac Poonen
|
In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that godly men are often targeted by Satan's attacks. He also highlights that the families of godly men, particularly their children, are al |
|
Christ Our Life - Part 1
by Art Katz
|
In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of preparing for a speaking engagement. He describes how he fasted for five days in order to seek God's guidance and insp |
|
(Early Anabaptism) the Anabaptist Vision
by Denny Kenaston
|
In this sermon, Peter references the words of the Prophet Joel to explain why it appears that the men are drunk at 9am. He emphasizes the importance of receiving the vision from Go |
|
Seminar 3 - Dinosaurs and the Bible
by Kent Hovind
|
This seminar addresses the perceived conflict between dinosaur fossils and the biblical account of creation, exploring the field of cryptozoology to shed light on hidden animals li |
|
(Genesis) - Part 9
by Zac Poonen
|
In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preserving our families from the evil influences of the world. He highlights the sins of Noah's day, which were sexual sin |
|
Every Knee Shall Bow
by Paris Reidhead
|
In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving Jesus Christ the worship, love, adoration, and obedience that he deserves. The preacher highlights the sins committ |
|
One Special Moment
by Jim Cymbala
|
In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his daughter's rebellion and how he tried various methods to help her, but nothing worked. Eventually, God spoke to him an |