King James Version

What Does Genesis 6:14 Mean?

Genesis 6:14 in the King James Version says “Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. roo...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. rooms: Heb. nests”

Genesis 6:14 · KJV

Context

12

And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.

13

And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. with the earth: or, from the earth

14

Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. rooms: Heb. nests

15

And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.

16

A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.

Read Genesis 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and wit... This passage belongs to the primeval history section (Genesis 1-11) which establishes universal truths about God, humanity, sin, and divine purposes before focusing on Abraham and Israel. These chapters answer fundamental questions about human origins, the spread of wickedness, God's judgment, and the preservation of a righteous remnant.

Recurring patterns emerge: human sin escalating from individual disobedience to societal corruption, divine patience followed by judgment, gracious preservation of a remnant, and covenant promises ensuring redemptive purposes continue. The genealogies connect historical persons, demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises (blessing and multiplication), and trace the line leading to Abraham and ultimately Christ.

Key theological themes in this section include: (1) sin's destructive progression affecting all humanity; (2) God's righteous judgment while preserving mercy; (3) human pride and autonomy opposing divine sovereignty; (4) cultural development as both blessing and potential idolatry; (5) God's sovereign plan advancing despite human rebellion. These narratives provide the necessary context for understanding God's calling of Abraham and the covenant promises through which all nations will be blessed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The primeval history (Genesis 1-11) parallels ancient Near Eastern traditions including Sumerian King Lists (pre-flood longevity), Akkadian flood traditions (Atrahasis, Gilgamesh), and Mesopotamian city foundation myths. However, Genesis demythologizes these traditions, presenting monotheistic history rather than polytheistic mythology. The genealogies connecting Adam to Noah to Abraham provide historical framework absent in pagan myths.

Archaeological evidence confirms ancient urbanization (chapter 4's cities), agricultural development, metallurgy, and musical instruments emerging in Mesopotamia's early history. The Babel account reflects Mesopotamian ziggurat construction (stepped pyramid temples), particularly in Babylon. Linguistic diversity requiring explanation was obvious to ancient peoples, making the Babel narrative culturally relevant.

For Israel in covenant with Yahweh, these chapters explained their relationship to surrounding nations. All peoples descended from Noah, but Israel descended from Shem through Abraham—chosen for blessing all nations. The flood demonstrated God's justice and mercy: judging wickedness while preserving the righteous. This pattern would recur throughout Israel's history, assuring them that God's covenant faithfulness endures despite judgment on the wicked.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה1 of 14

“Make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְךָ֙2 of 14
H0
הַתֵּבָ֑ה3 of 14

“the ark”

H8392

a box

עֲצֵי4 of 14

“wood”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

גֹ֔פֶר5 of 14

“of gopher”

H1613

a kind of tree or wood (as used for building), apparently the cypress

קִנִּ֖ים6 of 14

“rooms”

H7064

a nest (as fixed), sometimes including the nestlings; figuratively, a chamber or dwelling

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה7 of 14

“Make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת8 of 14

“in”

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הַתֵּבָ֑ה9 of 14

“the ark”

H8392

a box

וְכָֽפַרְתָּ֥10 of 14

“and shalt pitch”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

אֹתָ֛הּ11 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִבַּ֥יִת12 of 14

“it within”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וּמִח֖וּץ13 of 14

“and without”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

בַּכֹּֽפֶר׃14 of 14

“with pitch”

H3724

properly, a cover, i.e., (literally) a village (as covered in)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 6:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 6:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 3:20Luke 17:27Matthew 24:38Exodus 2:3

Test Your Knowledge

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