What was the main structural shape of Noah’s Ark in the Genesis account?

In the Genesis account, Noah’s Ark is described as a rectangular chest-like vessel.

Genesis gives the Ark’s length, width, and height, then describes multiple decks, rooms, a side door, and a roof. The Hebrew word used for the vessel is related to the idea of a box or chest, rather than to a conventional ship designed for navigation.

This description explains why many artistic reconstructions show the Ark as a large rectangular barge. Its stated purpose is survival during the Flood, not sailing to a destination or steering through ordinary seas.

The Ark is often pictured with a pointed bow because modern viewers associate that shape with ships. However, Genesis does not describe a pointed bow, mast, sails, rudder, or steering system. The text’s concrete details support a box-like form, while later artwork has supplied many additional nautical features.