What Instructions Did God Give Noah for Building the Ark?
(Genesis 6:13–22)
The instructions God gave Noah for building the ark are some of the most detailed construction commands in the early chapters of Scripture. They show that the ark was not a mythic symbol but a carefully designed vessel meant to preserve life during the Flood. These directions emphasize God’s wisdom, Noah’s obedience, and the seriousness of the coming judgment.
1. God Revealed His Plan Before Giving Instructions
Before giving building orders, God told Noah why the ark was necessary:
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The earth was filled with violence
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Humanity had corrupted its way
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A flood of judgment was coming (Genesis 6:13, 17)
God does not give Noah random tasks—He reveals the purpose so Noah can respond in faith.
2. Build the Ark Out of Gopher Wood
“Make yourself an ark of gopher wood.”
— Genesis 6:14
Gopher wood is an ancient term, likely referring to:
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A resinous, durable wood
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Possibly cypress or a similar strong timber
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A material resistant to rot and water damage
This shows God instructed Noah to use the best possible material for a massive and long-lasting vessel.
3. Seal the Ark Inside and Out With Pitch
“Cover it inside and out with pitch.”
— Genesis 6:14
Pitch is a waterproofing substance—similar to tar or resin.
This served to:
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Waterproof the ark
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Seal cracks
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Prevent leaks
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Protect the ark during a violent global catastrophe
God ensured the ark would withstand intense storms and months on the water.
4. The Dimensions of the Ark Were Precisely Given
“This is how you are to make it…”
— Genesis 6:15
God gave exact dimensions—unusual in ancient narratives. The ark was to be:
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300 cubits long (approximately 450 feet / 137 meters)
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50 cubits wide (approximately 75 feet / 23 meters)
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30 cubits high (approximately 45 feet / 14 meters)
This is the size of a modern cargo ship.
These dimensions show:
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Stability over speed (the ark was not a boat to sail but a vessel to float)
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Perfect proportions for surviving turbulent waters
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Massive internal volume for animals, food, and people
God provided architectural precision centuries before shipbuilding science.
5. Build Three Decks Inside the Ark
“Make it with lower, second, and third decks.”
— Genesis 6:16
Three levels allowed:
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Structured storage
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Animal separation
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Space maximization
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Efficient organization of living quarters and supplies
The ark had the capacity of over 500 railroad cars—an enormous living space.
6. Make a Roof With an Opening for Light and Air
“Make a roof for the ark and finish it to within a cubit above.”
— Genesis 6:16
This roof included:
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A slight slope for water runoff
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A one-cubit (about 18 inches / 45 cm) opening or window
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Ventilation to keep air circulating
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Light for visibility inside the ark
God designed a structure fit for long-term habitation.
7. Put a Door in the Side of the Ark
“Set the door of the ark in its side.”
— Genesis 6:16
The ark needed:
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A large entry point for animals and supplies
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A singular door (symbolic and practical)
God would eventually shut the door Himself (Genesis 7:16), showing divine protection and finality.
8. Prepare for Animals and Food Storage
God instructed Noah to bring:
A. Pairs of every “kind” of animal
“Two of every kind… male and female.” (Genesis 6:19)
B. Seven pairs of clean animals
“Seven pairs of every clean animal.” (Genesis 7:2)
C. Food for both humans and animals
“Take with you every sort of food… to eat.” (Genesis 6:21)
The ark was both a floating zoo and a storage facility for months of survival.
9. Noah Was Instructed to Bring His Family Into the Ark
“You, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives.”
— Genesis 6:18
God planned not only for preservation of animals, but the preservation of humanity itself—through Noah’s faithful household.
10. Noah Fully Obeyed God’s Instructions
The instructions end with an important statement:
“Noah did everything just as God commanded him.”
— Genesis 6:22
This shows:
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Noah followed the blueprint exactly
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Obedience preserved life
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Faith results in action
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Noah’s righteousness was practical, not theoretical
Noah’s precise obedience is repeatedly emphasized as the key to survival.
Summary of God’s Instructions to Noah
God commanded Noah to:
✔ Build the ark from durable gopher wood
✔ Waterproof it with pitch
✔ Follow exact dimensions (300 x 50 x 30 cubits)
✔ Include three decks inside
✔ Add a roof with a ventilation opening
✔ Place a door in the side
✔ Prepare for animals and food storage
✔ Bring his family into the ark
These instructions demonstrate:
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God’s detailed care
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His plan for salvation
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Noah’s obedience
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The seriousness of the coming judgment
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The faith required to build such a structure over decades.