Definition: Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 6:14. It's a really important passage about God’s plan for humanity and a bit mysterious at first! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is telling us to create a protective shelter for people who are facing a terrible situation. Let’s break it down piece by piece: “Make thee an ark of gopher wood…” – "Gopher wood" is a fancy word for a type of wood that's very dense and strong. It’s often associated with underground tunnels and caverns. “Ark” means a safe shelter, something to protect something precious. So, this refers to a large, sturdy boat or container designed to withstand harsh conditions. “…rooms shalt thou make in the ark…” - This signifies that the ark will have compartments or rooms inside it. It’s not just a simple box; it's designed for protection and storage. “And shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.” – “Pitch” means to coat something with a thick layer of a liquid, like oil or resin. God instructs him to apply this coating to the ark – both inside and outside. This is crucial because the coating will act as a shield against the elements (rain, wind, etc.) and make it more durable. The overall message is about divine protection and safeguarding. It suggests that God is preparing for a great disaster – a massive flood that’s going to destroy the world. He's creating this ark as a way to preserve humanity from complete destruction. It’s important to note: The exact nature of the “disaster” in Genesis 6:14 isn’t fully revealed, but it involves a catastrophic flood that wipes out most of life on Earth. This verse is a foundational story about God's care for his creation and His willingness to take action to protect those he has made. Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other stories or biblical themes? Discuss the symbolism behind the ark?