Who Helped Noah Build the Ark? (How Many Built the Ark

By Paul King •  Updated: 10/11/23 •  13 min read

The construction of Noah’s ark is a remarkable event that has captured the attention and curiosity of people throughout history. According to the Bible, Noah and his family were the primary builders of the ark. In Genesis 6:14-16, God instructs Noah, saying, ‘Make yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. And this is how you shall make it: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. 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.’

Noah’s family played a crucial role in the construction of the ark. Genesis 6:18-22 states, ‘But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. And of every living thing of all flesh you shall bring two of every sort into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female. Of the birds after their kind, of animals after their kind, and of every creeping thing of the earth after its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive. And you shall take for yourself of all food that is eaten, and you shall gather it to yourself; and it shall be food for you and for them.’

Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, along with their wives, joined him in this monumental task. They dedicated themselves to the construction of the ark and the gathering of the animals. Their obedience to God’s command demonstrates their faith and trust in Him.

In addition to Noah’s family, there were no direct references in the Bible to supernatural beings or other creatures aiding in the construction of the ark. It was a laborious and challenging endeavor that required great faith, determination, and perseverance from Noah and his family.

The story of Noah and the ark serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision. It teaches us about the importance of obedience and trust in God’s plans, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Overall, the construction of Noah’s ark was a family affair, with Noah, his wife, and his sons and their wives working together to fulfill God’s instructions. It stands as a testament to their faith and God’s grace, reminding us of the power of obedience and the rewards that come from following God’s commands.

Key Takeaways

The Role of Noah’s Family in Building the Ark

The construction of the ark was a monumental task undertaken by Noah’s family, with each member playing a significant role. According to the Bible, Noah’s wife, whose name is not specifically mentioned, provided unwavering support and encouragement to Noah throughout the entire process. She stood by his side, offering not just physical labor but also emotional and spiritual support.

In Genesis 6:22, it is stated, ‘Noah did everything just as God commanded him.’ This verse emphasizes the obedience and dedication of not only Noah but also his entire family. They understood the importance of following God’s instructions precisely, and this unity of purpose propelled them forward in their mission.

Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, also played crucial roles in the construction of the ark. In Genesis 7:7, it is mentioned that Noah and his sons entered the ark because of the coming floodwaters. This implies their active involvement in building the ark and their commitment to completing the project.

The Bible does not provide explicit details about the specific tasks undertaken by each family member. However, we can infer that their contributions were significant, given the immense scale of the ark and the time it took to build it. Their unity, cooperation, and unwavering faith in God’s plan were vital in the successful completion of this monumental undertaking.

In Ephesians 6:1, the Bible instructs children to obey their parents in the Lord, for this is right. This verse implies that Noah’s sons respected and obeyed their father’s leadership, which would have been crucial in the construction process. Their obedience and willingness to work together as a family were essential elements in the successful completion of the ark.

The story of Noah’s family and their dedication to building the ark serves as a powerful example of the importance of family unity and faith in God’s guidance. It reminds us that by working together and staying committed to God’s plan, we can overcome any challenge and accomplish great things.

The Contributions of Noah’s Sons to the Ark’s Construction

One aspect of the ark’s construction involves the contributions made by the sons of Noah. According to the Bible in Genesis 6:22, ‘Noah did everything just as God commanded him.’ This shows that Noah and his sons were obedient to the divine instructions they received.

Shem, Ham, and Japheth actively participated in the construction process, working alongside their father to gather the necessary materials and prepare the wood. They showed their dedication and commitment to this monumental task by following God’s specific instructions for the ark’s design and construction.

In Genesis 6:14-16, God gives Noah detailed instructions on how to build the ark, including its dimensions and the specific types of wood to be used. Shem, Ham, and Japheth diligently followed these instructions, ensuring that the ark was constructed exactly as God had commanded.

Their unity and cooperation within Noah’s family can be seen in their joint efforts to fulfill the divine command. They worked together, using their skills and labor to bring the ark to completion. This unity and cooperation were crucial in ensuring the success of the project.

While the Bible does not provide specific details about the extended family and relatives who assisted in the construction of the ark, it is reasonable to assume that they also played a role in supporting Noah and his sons. Just as Noah’s immediate family worked together, it is likely that their extended family members provided assistance and encouragement throughout the construction process.

The story of Noah’s ark serves as a powerful example of obedience to God’s commands and the importance of unity and cooperation within a family. It teaches us the value of following divine instructions and working together to fulfill God’s plan. As we reflect on this biblical account, we can draw inspiration and guidance for our own lives, striving to be obedient to God’s commands and to work together with our own families and communities to accomplish His purposes.

The Assistance Provided by Noah’s Extended Family and Relatives

Noah’s extended family and relatives played a significant role in the construction of the ark, as supported by relevant facts and quotes from the Bible. In Genesis 7:1, God commanded Noah, saying, ‘Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation.’ This verse indicates that Noah’s entire household, including his extended family, was involved in the construction of the ark.

The Bible does not explicitly mention the involvement of Noah’s relatives, but we can infer their assistance based on the magnitude of the task at hand. In Genesis 6:14-16, God instructed Noah to build the ark with specific dimensions and materials. It would have been a colossal undertaking for Noah and his three sons alone to complete such a massive structure.

Additionally, in Genesis 6:22, it is stated that ‘Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.’ This implies that Noah followed God’s instructions, which likely involved seeking help and resources from his extended family. The support and collaboration within the family were crucial in fulfilling God’s command.

Moreover, in Genesis 7:7, it is mentioned that Noah and his sons entered the ark with their wives. This implies that Noah’s extended family actively participated in the construction and preparation for the flood. Their assistance would have been necessary to complete such an enormous task within the given timeframe.

The unity and cooperation within Noah’s family demonstrate the significance of extended family support in achieving extraordinary goals. The involvement of Noah’s relatives in the construction of the ark showcases the importance of collective effort and collaboration.

It is important to note that while the Bible does not provide specific details about Noah’s extended family’s contributions, we can infer their involvement based on the contextual evidence and the magnitude of the task.

The Help of Supernatural Beings in the Building of the Ark

Supernatural beings’ involvement in the construction of the ark is a widely debated topic within biblical narratives. While the Bible does not provide explicit details about angels or divine beings assisting Noah in building the ark, there are verses that suggest their presence and support.

In Hebrews 11:7, it is stated, ‘By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household.’ This verse implies that Noah’s faith in God’s warning was the driving force behind the construction of the ark. Although it does not mention the involvement of supernatural beings, it highlights Noah’s trust in God’s guidance.

Furthermore, in 2 Peter 2:5, it is mentioned that Noah was a ‘herald of righteousness.’ This suggests that Noah had a divine purpose and mission in building the ark, indicating the significance of his role in preserving life. While the verse does not explicitly mention supernatural beings, it emphasizes the divine plan behind the construction of the ark.

While the Bible does not provide direct quotes or stories about angels providing instructions to Noah during the construction process, the involvement of supernatural entities can be understood in a metaphorical or symbolic sense. The presence of angels and divine beings can be seen as a representation of God’s support and intervention in this monumental endeavor.

It is important to note that the Bible primarily focuses on Noah’s faith, obedience, and the fulfillment of God’s command rather than the specific involvement of supernatural beings. Therefore, while their presence is not explicitly described, their assistance can be inferred from the overall narrative and the divine purpose behind the ark’s construction.

Transitioning to the involvement of other creatures in building the ark, it is worth mentioning that Genesis 6:20 states, ‘Of the birds according to their kinds, and of the animals according to their kinds, of every creeping thing of the ground, according to its kind, two of every sort shall come in to you to keep them alive.’ This verse highlights the role of various creatures in being brought into the ark to ensure their preservation.

The Support and Involvement of Other Creatures in Building the Ark

The involvement of various creatures in the construction of the ark is beautifully depicted in the book of Genesis. In Genesis 6:20, it is stated, ‘Of the birds after their kind, of animals after their kind, and of every creeping thing of the earth after its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive.’ This verse emphasizes the importance of preserving different species and highlights the role of these creatures in assisting Noah during the building process.

One of the notable contributions came from birds, such as doves and ravens. After the floodwaters receded, Noah released a dove to find dry land. In Genesis 8:8-12, it says, ‘Then he sent out a dove from him, to see if the waters had subsided… But the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, and she returned to him… Then he sent out a dove from him, to see if the waters had subsided from the face of the ground. But the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, and returned… Then he sent out a dove from him, and she did not return to him anymore.’ These verses highlight the crucial role birds played in helping Noah and his family navigate and find land, ensuring their safety and survival.

Additionally, various animals were brought into the ark to ensure their preservation. The Bible mentions that Noah was commanded to bring two of every kind, both clean and unclean. In Genesis 7:2-3, it states, ‘You shall take with you seven each of every clean animal, a male and his female; two each of animals that are unclean, a male and his female; also seven each of birds of the air, male and female, to keep the species alive on the face of all the earth.’ This demonstrates the importance of preserving the diverse animal species and the role they played in the building process.

Furthermore, creeping things like insects and small creatures may have provided assistance in controlling pests and keeping the ark free from infestations. Although not explicitly mentioned, we can infer that the presence of these creatures would have been beneficial in maintaining a healthy environment within the ark during the long duration of the flood.

Some scholars also speculate about the potential involvement of marine life in the construction process. It is suggested that marine creatures could have provided materials such as shells, coral, or even carried small objects to assist with the ark’s construction. While this is not directly mentioned in the biblical account, it is an intriguing possibility that showcases the interconnectedness of all living beings.

Understanding the support and involvement of these creatures in building the ark allows us to appreciate the divine design and purpose behind the preservation of life during this catastrophic event. It highlights the harmony and interdependence of all living beings, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and care for the diverse creatures that inhabit our world.

Paul King

I post written versions of my powerful sermons exploring topics like prayer, praise, biblical truths, and more expressions of faith. My church has a deeply spiritual culture, which I try to convey through vivid storytelling and applications in our everyday life. I spread the Good Word with lots of conviction and passion.