Noah’s Ark Specifications

Noah’s Ark, described in the Book of Genesis, was a massive wooden vessel built by Noah at God’s command to save his family and a pair of every kind of animal from the Great Flood.

Quick Facts:

1. Dimensions: The Ark was 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high (approximately 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high).
2. Materials: It was constructed from gopher wood and sealed with pitch inside and out.
3. Structure: The Ark had three decks, a roof, and a door on its side.
4. Capacity: It housed Noah, his family, and pairs of every kind of animal.
5. Duration: The construction took about 120 years, and the Ark floated for about one year during the Flood.
6. Purpose: It served as a divine vessel of salvation from the judgment of the Flood.

The story of Noah’s Ark, found in Genesis 6-9, is one of the most captivating narratives in the Bible. It details God’s instructions to Noah to build a massive vessel to save his family and pairs of all animal species from a devastating flood. Here, we delve into the Ark’s specifications, construction, and the theological significance of the story.

1. Construction and Dimensions: God provided Noah with precise dimensions for the Ark in Genesis 6:15:

• Length: 300 cubits (approximately 450 feet or 137 meters)
• Width: 50 cubits (approximately 75 feet or 23 meters)
• Height: 30 cubits (approximately 45 feet or 14 meters)

These dimensions made the Ark a colossal structure, designed for stability rather than navigation. The Ark’s proportions (length six times its width and ten times its height) are known to be highly stable for floating, ensuring it could withstand turbulent waters.

2. Materials and Sealing: Noah was instructed to use gopher wood (Genesis 6:14). The exact type of wood remains unidentified, but it was likely a durable, resinous wood suitable for shipbuilding. The Ark was to be covered inside and out with pitch—a waterproofing resin that ensured the vessel was watertight, protecting its occupants from the floodwaters.

3. Structural Features: The Ark had several notable structural features:

• Three Decks: Divided into three levels, the Ark had ample space to house Noah’s family, animals, and provisions.
• Roof: The Ark had a roof with a gap of one cubit (about 18 inches) to allow for ventilation (Genesis 6:16). This provided essential airflow and light.
• Door: The Ark had a single door on its side (Genesis 6:16), which God Himself shut once Noah and the animals were inside (Genesis 7:16), symbolizing divine protection and sealing.

4. Capacity: The Ark was designed to carry:

• Noah and his Family: Eight people in total—Noah, his wife, their three sons (Shem, Ham, and Japheth), and their wives (Genesis 6:18).
• Animals: Pairs of every kind of living creature, both male and female, to repopulate the earth after the flood (Genesis 6:19-20). Additionally, seven pairs of clean animals and birds were taken, likely for future sacrifices (Genesis 7:2-3).

5. Duration and Journey:

• Construction Period: Noah spent about 120 years building the Ark (Genesis 6:3), during which he also preached righteousness and warned of the impending judgment (2 Peter 2:5).
• Flood Duration: The flood lasted for 40 days and 40 nights, with waters prevailing on the earth for 150 days (Genesis 7:12, 7:24). The Ark finally rested on the mountains of Ararat on the seventeenth day of the seventh month (Genesis 8:4). The total duration Noah and his family spent in the Ark was just over a year (Genesis 7:11, 8:13-14).

6. Purpose and Symbolism: The Ark’s primary purpose was to preserve life during the Flood, representing God’s mercy amidst judgment. Key symbolic elements include:

• Judgment and Salvation: The Flood was God’s judgment on human wickedness, while the Ark was a means of salvation for Noah, his family, and the animals.
• Covenant: Post-flood, God established a covenant with Noah, symbolized by the rainbow, promising never to destroy the earth with a flood again (Genesis 9:11-17).
• Type of Christ: The Ark is often seen as a type of Christ in Christian theology, offering salvation and refuge from divine judgment.

Theological Insights: The narrative of Noah’s Ark underscores several theological themes:

• Obedience and Faith: Noah’s unwavering obedience and faith in God’s commands are highlighted as exemplary (Hebrews 11:7).
• Divine Judgment and Mercy: The story balances themes of judgment on sin with God’s provision of a means of salvation.
• Covenant and Promise: God’s covenant with Noah establishes a recurring biblical theme of God’s promises and faithfulness to humanity.

Historical and Cultural Impact: The story of Noah’s Ark has left a lasting impression on cultures worldwide, inspiring art, literature, and exploration. The search for the Ark on Mount Ararat continues to capture imaginations, and the narrative is echoed in various ancient flood myths, underscoring its deep cultural resonance.

Conclusion: Noah’s Ark, as detailed in the Bible, serves as a powerful symbol of faith, obedience, and divine salvation. Its specifications and the surrounding narrative offer profound insights into God’s character and His interactions with humanity. The Ark remains a testament to God’s justice and mercy, inspiring believers to trust in His provision and faithfulness.