Genesis describes Noah’s Ark with the Hebrew term tebah.
The word tebah is commonly translated as “ark” in English. In the Hebrew Bible, it is used for Noah’s vessel and also for the basket in which the infant Moses is placed in the Nile. This shared term emphasizes a container that preserves life through dangerous waters rather than a conventional ship designed for navigation.
Genesis gives the ark a rectangular form, compartments, three decks, and a window or opening. It does not describe a steering system, sails, or a rudder. The vessel’s purpose is survival and preservation, not travel to a chosen destination.
English readers often picture a familiar boat because “ark” is associated with ships. The Hebrew vocabulary and the construction details instead support the idea of a large protective chest or floating container. The exact shape and ancient construction method remain matters of interpretation.