Gopher wood

Gopher wood [∞]

Reading ancient Hebrew, rather than its reinvented forms, allows for reconstructing meanings of words that have been lost over time.

Noah was instructed to build the ark using gopher wood. The term "gopher" (גפר) is transliterated rather than translated because its meaning was unknown. However, examining its structure reveals a deeper insight: גפר can be understood as "lymed" (כר) with a "mystery" (פ).

Why apply lime to wood? Limewash is known to be fire-retardant, antiseptic, antifungal, odorless, and non-allergenic. It reduces mildew and rot, eliminates mosquito larvae, and neutralizes odors in animal shelters. (Source: National Park Service)

Moreover, limewash turns wood white, transforming the ark into a symbol of the cross. Just as Jesus bore our sins, becoming sin for us but rising victorious and holy (symbolized by white), the ark—a white ship—becomes a picture and mystery of Christ's redemptive work.

The ark was then covered in pitch, which is black, symbolizing Christ who knew no sin but was made to be sin on our behalf. Together, the white wood and black pitch illustrate the mystery of Jesus bearing sin yet rising holy and victorious.