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Pitch

material_culture_term theological_term standard

A tar-like waterproofing substance mentioned in Scripture, especially for sealing Noah’s ark and the basket used for Moses.

At a Glance

Pitch is a waterproofing or sealing substance mentioned in the Bible, used to coat objects so they would repel water and hold together securely.

Key Points

Description

In Scripture, pitch refers to a dark, sticky, tar-like substance used to coat, seal, or waterproof objects. It is mentioned in connection with Noah’s ark, which was covered inside and out, and with the basket prepared for the infant Moses. The biblical writers present pitch as a practical material in ordinary use within the ancient world. It is not a theological doctrine, but a detail that supports the historical realism of the narratives in which it appears.

Biblical Context

Genesis 6:14 uses pitch in the instructions for the ark, showing Noah’s obedience in preparing the vessel for the flood. Exodus 2:3 uses pitch in the basket made for Moses, emphasizing the care taken to protect him from the water. In both cases, pitch serves a practical purpose in salvation-history narratives.

Historical Context

Ancient peoples used bitumen, tar, and similar substances for waterproofing boats, baskets, roofs, and containers. Such materials were commonly available in the ancient Near East and were valued for their sealing properties.

Jewish and Ancient Context

In the ancient Jewish world, pitch would have been understood as a normal protective substance rather than something symbolic in itself. Its function in the biblical narratives is straightforward: to preserve and protect.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

The Hebrew terms rendered ‘pitch’ refer to a waterproofing substance, often understood as tar, bitumen, or a similar sealing material.

Theological Significance

Pitch has no independent doctrinal meaning, but it supports the historical and material realism of the biblical narratives in which it appears.

Philosophical Explanation

The term illustrates how Scripture often includes ordinary physical details to ground redemptive history in real events and real materials.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not over-symbolize pitch or treat it as a technical theological concept. Its meaning is primarily practical and contextual.

Major Views

There is no significant interpretive dispute about the basic sense of the word; it denotes a sealing or waterproofing material.

Doctrinal Boundaries

Pitch is a biblical material term, not a doctrine. Any theological application must remain secondary to its plain historical use.

Practical Significance

The term helps readers understand how the ark and Moses’ basket were made suitable for water and why the narratives are historically concrete.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Pitch

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