What is the meaning of Genesis 6:14?

Make for yourself an ark

“Make for yourself an ark” (Genesis 6:14) begins with a personal command.

• God addresses Noah directly, underscoring individual responsibility (Genesis 6:22).

• The call to action invites obedience before full explanation—faith responding to revelation (Hebrews 11:7).

• Salvation is provided by God but must be entered by willing hearts (Genesis 7:1; 1 Peter 3:20).

• The ark prefigures God’s later invitations: “Come” (Isaiah 55:1; Matthew 11:28), showing that rescue is always personal.

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of gopher wood

God specifies the material.

• Precision matters; divine details guide lasting safety (Exodus 25:40).

• Gopher wood, whatever its modern identification, was durable and available, reminding us that God equips using resources at hand (Philippians 4:19).

• The specification guards Noah from alternate plans; there is one God-given way of salvation, echoed later in Christ alone (Acts 4:12; John 14:6).

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make rooms in the ark

Organization accompanies obedience.

• “Rooms” (lit. compartments) show God’s foresight for every creature’s need (Genesis 6:19-20).

• Provision was sufficient for family and animals, illustrating that God’s plans are comprehensive (Psalm 104:24).

• The ordered space foreshadows the prepared place Jesus promises: “In My Father’s house are many rooms” (John 14:2).

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coat it with pitch inside and out

Protection is total, not partial.

• Pitch seals the vessel against judgment waters, symbolizing covering and atonement (Leviticus 17:11; Psalm 32:1).

• The coating inside and out stresses complete security; no leak of condemnation reaches those sheltered by God (Romans 8:1).

• Just as the door was shut by the Lord (Genesis 7:16), the sealing prefigures believers “sealed with the promised Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 1:13).

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summary

Genesis 6:14 reveals a God who saves through clear, detailed instruction. He calls personally, supplies precisely, organizes compassionately, and protects completely. Noah’s ark stands as a literal, historical vessel—and a timeless picture—assuring us that when we follow God’s Word exactly, we find perfect refuge from judgment and abundant provision for life.