Biblical Reference:
Gopher-wood is mentioned in the Bible in the context of the construction of Noah's Ark. The specific reference is found in Genesis 6:14: "Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out."

Description and Identification:
The term "gopher-wood" appears only once in the Bible, and its exact identification remains uncertain. The Hebrew word "gopher" is unique to this passage, and there is no consensus among scholars regarding its precise meaning. Various translations and interpretations have been proposed, including cypress, cedar, or pine, but none can be definitively confirmed. The lack of additional biblical or extrabiblical references to "gopher-wood" has led to much speculation.

Historical and Cultural Context:
In the ancient Near East, wood was a valuable resource, and different types of wood were used for various purposes, including construction, tools, and religious artifacts. The choice of gopher-wood for the Ark suggests a material that was both durable and suitable for shipbuilding. The command to coat the Ark with pitch indicates an understanding of waterproofing techniques, which would have been essential for the Ark's survival during the Flood.

Theological Significance:
The use of gopher-wood in the construction of the Ark carries theological implications. The Ark is a symbol of God's salvation and protection, as it preserved Noah, his family, and the animal species from the judgment of the Flood. The specific mention of gopher-wood highlights the divine instructions given to Noah, emphasizing obedience to God's commands. The Ark, made of gopher-wood, becomes a vessel of deliverance, prefiguring the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

Interpretations and Speculations:
Throughout history, various interpretations have been offered regarding the nature of gopher-wood. Some early Jewish and Christian commentators suggested that it might refer to a type of tree known for its strength and resilience. Others have speculated that it could be a now-extinct species or a term for a particular method of wood preparation. Despite these theories, the mystery of gopher-wood remains, inviting believers to focus on the broader narrative of faith and obedience exemplified by Noah.

Symbolism in Christian Thought:
In Christian thought, the Ark and its construction with gopher-wood are often seen as a typology of the Church and the salvation it offers. Just as the Ark provided refuge from the Flood, the Church is viewed as a sanctuary from the spiritual perils of the world. The meticulous instructions for building the Ark underscore the importance of adhering to God's Word and the assurance of His promises.

Conclusion:
While the exact nature of gopher-wood remains elusive, its role in the biblical narrative is clear. It serves as a testament to God's provision and the faithfulness of Noah, who followed divine instructions to ensure the preservation of life. The enduring mystery of gopher-wood invites believers to trust in God's wisdom and the sufficiency of His Word.

Christ Precious to Believers
... He is moreover, perfect man without sin. The precious gopher wood of his
humanity is overlaid with the pure gold of his divinity. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christ precious to believers.htm

The Great Flood.
... The people had destroyed themselves, and so God said to Noah: "The end of
all flesh is come; make thee an ark of gopher wood.". He ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter ii the great flood.htm

The Saint among Sinners
... earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark,
and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. And ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the saint among sinners.htm

How to Tell a Story
... old he took unto himself a wife, who was'"then turning the page"'one hundred and
forty cubits long, forty cubits wide, built of gopherwood, and covered ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/how to tell a story.htm

Self-Examination
... "Ah!" says one, I believe that ark will swim." "Oh!" says another, "I believe that
ark is made of gopher-wood, and is strong from stem to stern; I am quite ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/self-examination.htm

The Form and Spirit of Religion
... form of his religion; he would have men reverently take care that they did no dishonour
even to his ark; it might be nothing but gopher-wood, but because ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the form and spirit of.htm

Chapter vi
... basar. 14, 15. Make thyself an ark of gopher-wood; make the ark with cells;
and smear it with pitch within and without. And this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter vi.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... 'And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me;"make thee an ark
of gopher wood' (Genesis 6:13,14, 7:1). 'The Lord said unto Noah, Come thou ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Gopher-wood (1 Occurrence)
Gopher-wood. Gopher, Gopher-wood. Gore . Multi-Version Concordance
Gopher-wood (1 Occurrence). Genesis 6:14 Make thee ...
/g/gopher-wood.htm - 6k

Gopher (1 Occurrence)
...GOPHERWOOD. go'-fer wood (`atse ghopher): The wood from which Noah's ark was
made (Genesis 6:14). ... Genesis 6:14 Make a ship of gopherwood. ...
/g/gopher.htm - 9k

Noah (55 Occurrences)
... When the ark of "gopher-wood" (mentioned only here) was at length completed according
to the command of the Lord, the living creatures that were to be ...
/n/noah.htm - 66k

Wood (226 Occurrences)
...GOPHERWOOD. go'-fer wood (`atse ghopher): The wood from which Noah's ark was
made (Genesis 6:14). ... Genesis 6:14 Make a ship of gopherwood. ...
/w/wood.htm - 42k

Gore (9 Occurrences)

/g/gore.htm - 11k

Rooms (69 Occurrences)
... (BBE RSV NIV). Genesis 6:14 Make a ship of gopherwood. You shall make rooms
in the ship, and shall seal it inside and outside with pitch. ...
/r/rooms.htm - 28k

Pitch (25 Occurrences)
... Pitch (25 Occurrences). Genesis 6:14 Make a ship of gopherwood. You shall make
rooms in the ship, and shall seal it inside and outside with pitch. ...
/p/pitch.htm - 18k

Cypress (17 Occurrences)
... Genesis 6:14 Make for thyself an ark of gopher-wood; rooms dost thou make with the
ark, and thou hast covered it within and without with cypress; (YLT NIV). ...
/c/cypress.htm - 12k

Cells (24 Occurrences)
... Cells (24 Occurrences). Genesis 6:14 Make thyself an ark of gopherwood: with cells
shalt thou make the ark; and pitch it inside and outside with pitch. (DBY). ...
/c/cells.htm - 14k

Coat (54 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Genesis 6:14 Make a ship of gopherwood. You shall make rooms in the ship,
and shall seal it inside and outside with pitch. (See NIV). ...
/c/coat.htm - 25k

What is gopher wood? | GotQuestions.org

Would the discovery of Noah's Ark be important? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about Genesis | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus