gopher-wood Summary and Overview
Bible Dictionaries at a Glance
gopher-wood in Schaff's Bible Dictionary
GO'PHER-WOOD . The ark was constructed of this material. Gen 6:14. There are many theories as to what gopher-wood was. One is that it was some resinous wood, such as cedar, pine, or fir. Still more probable is the opinion that it was cypress, which was considered by the ancients as the most durable wood, and least exposed to worms and natural decay. It abounded in Syria, was used very commonly for shipbuilding, and was almost the only wood which could furnish suitable timber for so large a vessel as the ark.