Where Was Noah's Ark's Door Located?
Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI
Biblical Authority Ministries, June 8, 2026 (Donate)
One of the most intriguing questions about Noah's Ark
concerns the location of its door. While Genesis does not provide a detailed
blueprint, it does offer enough information to make reasonable conclusions.
Genesis 6:16 states:
"You shall make a window for
the ark, and you shall finish it to a cubit from above; and set the door of the
ark in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third decks"
(NKJV).
This verse reveals that the Ark had three decks and that the door was placed in its side. Although the exact location is not specified, the text and basic principles of ship design provide clues.
The Door Was Likely On The Second Deck
The mention of "lower, second, and third decks"
immediately follows the instruction concerning the door. Many have suggested
that the door was likely positioned at the level of the second deck rather than
on the lowest deck. Due to the term “lower” being used, it effectively places the
door above that desk.
This placement would have practical advantages. The Ark's
dimensions were 300 cubits[1]
long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high (Genesis 6:15). A vessel of this size
floating in water would have a substantial draft, meaning part of the hull
would remain below the waterline. If the door were located on the lowest deck,
it could have been dangerously close to the water level, especially during the
violent conditions of the Flood. A second-deck entrance would remain safely
above the waterline (called the “draft level”) while still allowing convenient
access.
Such a location would also permit ramps to be used for
bringing animals, supplies, food, and equipment aboard before the Flood began.
Once loading was complete, the ramp could be removed and stored inside.
Structural Considerations
From an engineering perspective, the exact placement along
the length of the Ark is also worth considering. Large vessels experience
significant stresses and strains while floating. Waves can cause bending forces
known as hogging and sagging. These stresses tend to be greatest near the center
of a ship.
For this reason, it may have been unwise to place a large
opening directly in the middle of the Ark's side. A door weakens a structure
because it interrupts the continuity of the hull. Therefore, it is reasonable
to suggest that the entrance was located somewhat forward or aft of the center,
while still avoiding the extreme ends of the vessel where other stresses and
operational difficulties could occur.
Although Scripture does not specify the exact position, a
second-deck door located moderately toward the front or rear would make good
engineering sense and preserve the Ark's structural integrity. As an engineer,
this makes good sense when the door is analyzed in this position.
Loading Animals And Supplies
The location of the door would have greatly assisted Noah
and his family in loading the Ark. Land dwelling, air-breathing animals of
every kind had to enter, along with vast quantities of food and provisions for
the duration of the Flood.
A second-deck entrance would provide direct access to
central storage and distribution areas. From there, animals and supplies could
be moved up or down to the appropriate deck using internal ramps, stairways, dumbwaiters,
or sloped passageways. This arrangement would make the loading process more
efficient and reduce congestion.
The Lord Shut The Door
Genesis 6:14 records that Noah was instructed to cover the
Ark inside and outside with pitch. This waterproofing would have helped
preserve the vessel and prevent leaks.
A natural question arises: if Noah entered through the door,
how could he seal it from the outside after everyone was aboard?
Scripture provides the answer. Genesis 7:16 says:
"And the LORD shut him
in" (NKJV).
The final sealing of the Ark was not Noah's responsibility.
God Himself closed and secured the door. Whatever method was used, it was
perfect and complete. The Lord ensured that the Ark remained watertight and
that those inside were safely protected throughout the Flood.
This action also carried theological significance. Just as
God shut the door of the Ark, He alone controls the door of salvation. Christ,
who is God, is the door by which we must enter to be saved for all eternity.
The Ark door was a “type” by which, Noah and his family had to enter to be
saved.
The door of the Ark did not remain open, just as the time to
be saved will not always be open. When judgment comes, that door is closed. Once
the Flood began, the opportunity for repentance had ended, and only those
inside the Ark were preserved. When your last breath is taken, then judgment will
come for all eternity. Have you received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?
Noah's Exit Strategy
Noah likely made preparations not only for entering the Ark
but also for leaving it. Since the entrance was elevated above the
ground, some means of access would have been required after the Ark came to
rest.
An external ramp used during loading could have been brought
inside before the Flood began. After the waters receded and God commanded Noah
to leave the Ark (Genesis 8:15-19), this ramp could have been repositioned to
provide safe passage to the ground.
Such planning would fit Noah's careful obedience and
attention to detail throughout the Ark's construction.
Conclusion
While the Bible does not reveal the precise location of
Noah's Ark's door, we can ascertain from Genesis 6:16 that it was likely situated
in the side of the Ark and likely near the level of the second deck—whether forward
or aft. Such a position would keep the entrance safely above the waterline (draft
level) It would also be an ideal position for the loading of animals
and supplies, and avoid unnecessary structural weakness in the hull.
The Ark's door also reminds us of a greater spiritual truth.
Noah could not save himself by merely building the Ark; Christ Himself shut the
door and preserved those within. The Ark became a God-appointed refuge from
judgment, foreshadowing the salvation that God provides for His people through
His gracious provision. As there was one door into the Ark, so there is one
Savior through whom sinners are rescued from judgment and brought safely into
God's care.
Bodie Hodge, Ken
Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing
evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as
a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers
News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.
Bodie
launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal
website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken
on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and
universities. He is married with four children.
Mr. Hodge earned a
Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at
Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a
Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and
running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic
materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a
grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar,
Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.
His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.
*Images generated by ChatGPT
[1] A
Cubit was from the fingertips to the elbow and a long cubit would add a
handbreadth to the cubit. They typically ranged from about 18 inches to 21
inches in ancient cultures; there were exceptions of course.
