Gopher Wood
NatureWhat is the meaning of Gopher Wood in the Bible?
The wood from which Noah's ark was made, identified as a resinous wood possibly similar to modern Arabic kufa, used for boats on Mesopotamian rivers and canals.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the potential botanical identity of gopher wood helps readers visualize the practical construction methods and material availability in the ancient Near East as described in the Genesis narrative.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Gopher Wood were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Gopher Wood in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Gopher Wood clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Gopher Wood." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/gopher-wood/