How Long Did It Take Noah To Build The Ark?
Noah’s Ark is one of the most iconic stories in the Bible, filled with symbolism, faith, and divine intervention. One of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the Ark is: How long did it take Noah to build the Ark? The answer to this question is rooted in biblical text, historical interpretations, and religious beliefs. In this article, we’ll explore the timeline of Noah’s Ark construction, including the dimensions of Noah’s Ark, the materials used, and the significance of the Ark in the context of the great flood.
The Biblical Account of Noah’s Ark Construction
The Genesis Flood Narrative and Noah’s Ark
The story of Noah’s Ark is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 6-9. According to this narrative, Noah was instructed by God to build a massive Ark to save his family and representatives of every animal species from the great flood that would cover the Earth. In the Genesis account, Noah’s Ark timeline is given in relation to both the building and the coming of the flood.
God warned Noah of the impending flood and gave him specific instructions to construct the Ark. While the Bible doesn’t give a precise, detailed timeline of the construction, it does mention the age of Noah and the year the flood occurred. Noah was 600 years old when the flood came (Genesis 7:6), and according to some interpretations, Noah might have been given a span of 120 years to complete the Ark (Genesis 6:3). This leads many to believe that Noah spent 120 years preparing for the flood, including building the Ark, gathering materials, and ensuring his family’s survival.
How Many Years Did Noah Work on the Ark?
The exact length of time Noah spent building the Ark is a topic of much debate. Some scholars suggest that Noah worked for 120 years, a period mentioned in the Bible as the time given before God sent the flood. This 120-year period could encompass all aspects of the Ark’s construction, including gathering materials, preparing Noah’s family, and waiting for God’s final instructions.
Others interpret the timeline differently, suggesting that Noah spent a shorter period building the Ark itself but may have needed many years to prepare for the flood in other ways. For example, some believe that the construction of the Ark itself might have taken around 50 to 100 years, with the remaining time dedicated to gathering animals and preparing for the flood.
Noah’s Ark Building Duration: Fact vs. Fiction
Noah’s Ark Timeline and Historical Evidence
Many of the historical evidence supporting Noah’s Ark construction are based on religious texts, ancient traditions, and the study of archeology. There is no concrete, physical evidence confirming the exact building duration of the Ark, but religious scholars and historians often rely on interpretations of the Bible and ancient writings.
How Long Did It Take Noah to Build the Ark?
The question of how long it took Noah to build the Ark is often approached from two angles: biblical and historical. From a biblical perspective, the 120-year figure is most frequently cited. However, historical evidence is more speculative. Archeologists and theologians who study ancient building practices argue that constructing an enormous wooden structure like the Ark would have taken several decades, depending on the available materials, tools, and manpower.
The Ark’s size and construction methods are important factors in understanding the timeline. Based on the biblical measurements, the Ark would have been approximately 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high (Genesis 6:15). This massive structure would require significant time and effort to build, especially given the tools and technology available in Noah’s era.

The Dimensions and Size of Noah’s Ark
Noah’s Ark Measurements: Size and Time to Build
The size of Noah’s Ark is often described in biblical cubits, which is an ancient unit of measurement. According to Genesis 6:15, the Ark was to be made 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. These dimensions are massive by any standard, and it’s clear that building such a large vessel would have been a monumental task.
What Materials Did Noah Use to Build the Ark?
The materials used in Noah’s Ark construction were specifically chosen based on God’s instructions. Genesis 6:14 states that the Ark was to be made of gopher wood, though the exact nature of this wood is unknown. Some scholars believe that gopher wood could refer to a type of cypress or another durable wood native to the region.
The use of gopher wood indicates that the Ark needed to be both strong and waterproof. This decision was crucial because it ensured the Ark could withstand the violent forces of the flood waters. This choice of materials would have also influenced the time it took to gather the necessary resources.
Understanding the Ark’s Preparation and the Great Flood
Noah’s Ark Building Process: From Preparation to Completion
The building process of the Ark was not just about construction. It also involved gathering materials, preparing Noah’s family, and ensuring that they were ready for the flood. The Ark had to be completed in time for Noah to gather animals and store them safely for the journey. According to the Bible, Noah was also responsible for gathering two of every kind of animal (Genesis 7:2).
The preparation time also involved building shelter for the animals and ensuring their survival. While we don’t know exactly how long this preparation took, it’s clear that Noah had to plan meticulously for every aspect of the flood event.
Noah’s Ark and the Animals: How Many and How Long Did It Take?
One of the most famous aspects of the story of Noah’s Ark is the gathering of the animals. Noah was instructed to gather two of every kind of animal (Genesis 7:2), a task that would have been both challenging and time-consuming. The time it took to gather the animals depends on how long it took Noah to travel and collect them from all around the world. Some interpretations suggest that this part of the story took several years, especially if we consider the logistical challenges involved.
The task of organizing the animals into the Ark and ensuring their safety during the flood would have been a critical part of Noah’s preparation. This responsibility further extended the timeframe for the Ark’s construction.
Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of Noah’s Ark
In conclusion, the question of how long it took Noah to build the Ark is a topic that blends faith, history, and interpretation. Whether the construction took 120 years, as some believe, or a shorter period focused primarily on the building itself, the timeline emphasizes the monumental nature of the Ark’s construction.
The legacy of Noah’s Ark is not just about its size and duration but also about its symbolism and spiritual significance. The Ark represents divine intervention, the survival of life, and the enduring faith of Noah and his family. For millions of people worldwide, the story of Noah’s Ark remains a source of inspiration, hope, and belief in the power of faith and perseverance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long did it take Noah to build the Ark?
It is widely believed that Noah took around 120 years to build the Ark. This timeline is based on the biblical passage in Genesis 6:3, where God says that mankind has 120 years before the flood.
2. What was the size of Noah’s Ark?
According to Genesis 6:15, the Ark was 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high, which would make it an enormous structure by ancient standards.
3. What materials did Noah use to build the Ark?
The Ark was built using gopher wood, a material mentioned in Genesis 6:14. The exact type of wood is uncertain, but it was chosen for its strength and waterproof qualities.
4. How many animals did Noah take on the Ark?
Noah took two of every kind of animal (Genesis 7:2), ensuring the survival of each species during the flood.
5. Did Noah really build the Ark in 120 years?
The 120-year timeline is a common interpretation based on Genesis 6:3. Some believe this was the time Noah spent building the Ark, while others interpret it as the time given before the flood occurred.
6. How long did it take to gather the animals?
The task of gathering the animals would have been a massive undertaking, and many scholars believe it could have taken several years to gather all the animals required.
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