In Genesis, what was the Ark’s main opening called in relation to its side?

In Genesis, the Ark had a door in its side.

Genesis 6:16 describes the Ark’s layout and says that Noah was to set its door in the side. The verse also mentions a lower, second, and third deck, as well as an opening or covering near the top. These details form part of the construction instructions given before the flood narrative begins.

The side door is easy to miss because modern pictures often emphasize a large front entrance or a ramp. Genesis does not specify a front gate, stern gate, or mechanical loading system. It simply identifies the door’s position as being in the side of the vessel.

The passage is also important because it shows that the Ark is described with organized internal spaces rather than as an undefined floating box. However, Genesis does not provide enough architectural detail to determine the exact shape of the door, the deck arrangement, or the proportions of the rooms.