Ark
What did Noah’s Ark look like?
Artist’s conception of the ark after the flood (Source: Answers in Genesis)
God commanded Noah to build an ark 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits tall (Gen. 6:15). Based on the Hebrew Short Cubit (17.5 inches), the ark would be 437 feet long, 73 feet wide, and 44 feet tall. At this size, the ark would have the volume capacity of 1, 396,000 cubic feet and could hold 522 railroad stock cars. Based on the Hebrew Long Cubit, the ark would be 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet tall.
Measurements based on the short cubit (Source: Answers in Genesis)
The inside of the ark was to have three decks (Gen. 6:16). Above the second and third deck, a sub layer could have been added thus allowing more room for storage or other animals. Each deck consisted of several rooms (Gen. 6:14). There was a roof on the top (Gen. 6:16) where Noah and his family may have lived. This could have been a room with open windows to allow for ventilation. There was one door on the side of the ark.
The ark could have had sub-layers in-between the decks for more storage. At the top was a skylight that would have allowed for ventilation (Source: Answers in Genesis)
Do you want to see a life-sized, 3-level replica of the ark? Answers in Genesis built one in Kentucky in 2016. It features world-class exhibits of some of the representative kinds, examples of Noah and his family’s living quarters, possible methods for how the animals were cared for, exhibits showing the science behind the flood, ark, and ice age, a comparison to other flood legends and “arks,” a great feature on the Bible and missionaries, interactive media, two movie theaters, and many more things. It is worth the trip! Find out more here: Ark Encounter.