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The Ark of Noah

Noah Redemption Story
When God instructed Noah to build the ark, He commanded him to pitch it within and without with pitch (Gen 6:14). In English, this seems like a simple technical description. However, the Hebrew/Aramaic reveals a mysterious element connected to the Day of Atonement, which Israel celebrated this week. What is this connection?

The Flood and the Ark are great symbols of salvation for those who put their trust in God. In order to fully grasp this idea, we need to look deep into the Hebrew/Aramaic of it all. In the original text, we find a particular verb כפר “kafar” “ܟܘܦܪܐ” (to atone), which shares the same root as the word used for Jews “Yom Kippur,” the Day of Atonement. This verb is used to express both the idea of “to cover with pitch” and “atone for sin.” This simple, practical command made by God sounds in Hebrew/Aramaic almost like a theological statement. Understanding the Holy Bible language, it becomes immediately clear that the story of Noah is essentially a story of redemption and atonement.