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

The story behind the answer

In Genesis, Noah’s Ark had a window made near its roof.

Genesis 6:16 instructs Noah to make an opening for the ark and finish it to a cubit above. Many English translations call this feature a window, although translations differ on the exact architectural interpretation of the Hebrew term and the phrase describing its placement.

The opening becomes important in Genesis 8, when Noah opens it after the Flood and releases the raven and the dove. This connects the construction instruction with the later bird episodes and shows that the opening served more than a decorative purpose in the story.

The text also mentions a door in the side of the ark and three levels. It does not describe a modern glass window, a chimney, or a hatch in technical detail. Consequently, “window” is the standard short answer, while the precise shape and construction remain uncertain.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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