Gopher
NatureWhat is the meaning of Gopher in the Bible?
A type of resinous wood mentioned in the Book of Genesis as the material for Noah's ark. Its exact botanical identity remains a subject of scholarly debate among linguists and historians.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying the specific timber clarifies the practical engineering constraints and material availability faced by ancient builders, grounding the narrative in historical reality.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Gopher 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 in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Gopher clarify?
Related Topics
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." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/gopher/