What shape does Genesis prescribe for Noah’s Ark?

Genesis prescribes Noah’s Ark as a large rectangular box-like vessel rather than a conventional pointed ship.

Genesis 6:14–16 describes the ark’s rooms, pitch coating, lower, middle, and upper decks, and dimensions of 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. The Hebrew word translated as “ark” is related to the idea of a box or chest, which supports the traditional description of a rectangular craft designed to float rather than steer like a sailing ship.

Illustrations often give the Ark a pointed bow and stern because artists borrow familiar ship designs. Genesis does not describe sails, a rudder, or a pointed hull. Its detailed instructions focus on buoyancy, enclosure, and layered decks, making the ark a large survival vessel in the narrative.