Does anyone know what gopher wood is? It is mentioned in the bible as the wood used in building Noah's ark.

Answer 1

Of what this huge ark was to be built was made plain by Jehovah: “Make for yourself an ark out of wood of a resinous tree [literally, trees of gopher].” (Genesis 6:14) This resinous wood here prescribed is thought by some to be cypress or a similar tree. In that part of the world what today is called cypress was in abundant supply; it was particularly favored for shipbuilding by the Phoenicians and by Alexander the Great, as it is even down to the present time; and it is especially resistant to water and decay. Doors and posts made of cypress are reported to have lasted 1,100 years. In addition, Noah was told not merely to caulk the seams but to “cover [the ark] inside and outside with tar.”

Answer 2

No one really knows what is was.

Some folks say it's "wood treated with pitch (tar)," but this cannot be correct. That would make Genesis 6:14 read: "Make yourself an ark of pitched wood, put various compartments in it, and cover it inside and outside with pitch."

And, no, the original Hebrew text does not read "resinous tree." It actually reads, "gopher ets." "Ets" is Hebrew for wood; as I stated above, we don't know what the Hebrew word "gopher" really means. That's why accurate translations, such as the KJV and NKJV read "gopher wood."

I prefer not to guess when it comes to God's Word. Just know that it was some kind of wood and keep reading. What's really important about Noah and the ark has nothing to do with what kind of wood he used.

Answer 3

Gopher wood is not a species of wood (ie. pine ,oak or maple) it is a "laminated" wood. Wood put together in thin layers bonded with tar or resin, it makes a hull stronger than simple ship-lap material.

Answer 4

That's what a gopher gets first thing in the morning...

Answer 5

Here's one theory:

"Gopher wood" is a misreading and scribal error. "Kopher" wood is correct and means wood (any wood) that is covered with Kopher. Kopher is bitumen.

Answer 6

the bible says resinous tree and then to cover it with tar in side and out. you can read it for yourself at genesis 6:14-16