One of the most mysterious materials mentioned in the Bible is Gopher wood. It appears only once; in the story of Noah’s Ark in Genesis 6: 14. Gopher wood is one of the most mysterious materials mentioned in the Bible.
It appears only once, in the story of Noah’s Ark in Genesis 6:14. In that verse, God tells Noah to build the Ark using “gopher wood” and to coat it inside and outside with pitch so it would not leak.
The type of wood is unknown to us possibly since this word is only used once in all of the bible. Millions of people have wondered what in the world “gopher wood” means, and for hundreds of years scholars, historians, and language experts have tried to solve the mystery. Some think that it was one particular tree. Some say it described as a type of treated wood or a building method.
The simple, honest truth is: we are not completely certain. However, if we look at history and usage, there are certainly stronger ideas of what it might have been.
What the Bible Actually Says
Noah gets commanded to construct an enormous ship from gopher wood and to seal it with pitch (Genesis 6:14). The biblical Hebrew phrase is atzei gopher, which translated means “woods of gopher” or “trees of gopher.”
Gopher is nowhere else used in the Bible, which is the challenge. It doesn’t describe, it doesn’t compare, nor does it verse other ways of explaining it. Terms that have only ever been seen once in a given text are referred to as hapax legomena. Well, those are words that are no other interpretations and so without further information, they are way more difficult to translate.
Even those who translated the Bible, many centuries closer to when the events took place, did not know. Others had it as a “squared timber” or “smoothed timber” implying they were uncertain about the exact tree too.
Why the Type of Wood Matters
The Ark was described as extremely large. Based on biblical measurements, it may have been around 135–155 meters long. Whether taken literally or symbolically, such a structure would require wood that was:
- Strong and durable
- Resistant to rot and water
- Available in large quantities
- Easy to cut into long boards
This helps scholars narrow down the possible types of wood.
Main Theories About Gopher Wood
Over time, several possibilities have been suggested. The most serious and widely discussed options are shown below.
Cypress: The Leading Theory
Most scholars believe gopher wood was cypress. A tree that came from the ancient near east and was often used in boats and buildings. Cypress has inherent oils that resist decay and water damage. It also reaches great heights growing tall and straight, perfect for big wooden structures.
Cedar: A Strong Second Choice
One of the most precious timbers in the ancient world was Cedar of Lebanon. It was used in temples and royal buildings. But many times the Bible refers cedar with another Hebrew word. As a result, some experts believe gopher must have meant something entirely different.
Treated or Layered Wood
Some modern scholars think “gopher” may not refer to a tree at all. Instead, it could describe wood that was treated with resin or layered together for strength, similar to early plywood. This idea connects to Hebrew words related to pitch or coating.
Clues from Ancient Translations
Early translations give interesting hints.
The Greek Septuagint described the material as “squared beams.”
The Latin Vulgate called it “smoothed wood.”
Some Jewish and Syriac traditions suggested cedar or boxwood.
The fact that these translations avoided naming a specific tree suggests that the exact meaning was already unclear even in ancient times.
Connection to Other Ancient Flood Stories
The story of Noah’s Ark has similarities to older floods that originated in Mesopotamia, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh. The tales that told of such things also told of large boats constructed from wood and water proofed with bitumen or pitch.
This tells us something important. Ancient civilizations knew how to build large scale wooden structures and waterproof things. Thus gopher wood was probably nothing more than a convenient local construction material.
What Science and History Suggest
If we focus on real-world needs, the wood used for the Ark had to be:
- Light enough to float well
- Strong enough to support heavy weight
- Resistant to insects and decay
- Easy to work with simple tools
Modern woods that match these qualities include cypress and cedar. For example, bald cypress today is known to survive in wet conditions for decades without rotting.
This practical evidence is one of the main reasons cypress is considered the most likely candidate.
Common Myths and Misunderstandings
Some people believe gopher wood was a special or extinct tree from before the Flood. While this is possible, there is no historical or scientific evidence for a lost species.
Others confuse biblical gopher wood with a North American plant sometimes called “gopher wood” (Florida torreya). This is just a modern name and has no connection to the Bible.
Most experts agree the term probably referred to a known local wood or a type of treated timber.
Cultural and Symbolic Meaning
Beyond the technical details, gopher wood also carries symbolic meaning. The Ark represents protection, survival, and obedience. In ancient cultures, resin-rich woods were often seen as protective because they resisted decay and lasted a long time.
In religious tradition, the material of the Ark reflects the idea of strong preparation and careful planning during a time of danger.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gopher wood in the Bible?
This is the wood Noah used to build the Ark, the only place it appears in the Bible (Gen 6:14).
Is gopher wood the same as cypress?
Many scholars believe it was cypress because its properties match the needs of shipbuilding.
Why is the word used only once?
It is a rare word (hapax legomenon), which makes its exact meaning difficult to confirm.
Could it have been cedar?
Possible, but the Bible has another word for cedar most places.
Was the Ark waterproof because of the wood?
Partly, but it was also sealed inside and outside with pitch or bitumen.
Is there a tree today called gopher wood?
Not in a biblical sense. Plants of that name today are not related.
Final Thoughts
Gopher wood remains one of the Bible’s great mysteries. Scholars have studied language, history, and ancient building methods, but there is still no final answer.
We can say with certainty that it was probably a durable, rot-resistant wood native to the ancient Near East. The evidence aligns best with cypress, but cedar is a close second among the alternatives.
The simplest answer is often the most truthful, and here it is: we don’t know for sure what gopher wood was. And this value of uncertainty is exactly why ancient text are so fascinating. It reminds us that history still holds questions waiting to be explored.
