What liquid did Genesis say coated Noah’s Ark inside and outside?

The story behind the answer

Genesis says pitch coated Noah’s Ark inside and outside.

In Genesis 6:14, Noah is told to build the ark from gopher wood and coat it with pitch on the inside and outside. Pitch is a thick, waterproofing substance traditionally made from tar or resinous materials, making it a plausible ancient sealant for a wooden vessel.

The Hebrew wording connects the ark’s waterproofing with the verb for covering or atoning, a detail that has attracted attention from biblical translators and interpreters. English versions generally retain “pitch,” though related terms such as bitumen or resin may appear in other translations.

The instruction does not establish a modern construction method or prove that a historical ark has been found. It is part of the narrative’s detailed vessel description, which also includes compartments, a door, a window, three levels, and stated dimensions.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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