The Doctrine Of Diet

The Doctrine Of Diet

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, June 16, 2026 (Donate)

Many people do not realize how much religious belief affects what people eat. Around the world, diets are often connected to a person's view of God, mankind, animals, and morality.

For example, Judaism has traditionally followed a clean "kosher" diet based on the Old Testament dietary laws. Islam follows a "halal" diet, which has its own religious restrictions and requirements (e.g., eating camel and drinking camel urine for medical reasons or as they command in the Hadith, “When one of you eats, let him not wipe his fingers until he has licked them or had someone else lick them.”[1]).

Many Hindus avoid eating beef because cows are viewed as sacred. Some modern secular religious philosophies also influence diet. Donald Watson (founder of modern veganism) and subsequent vegans tend(ed) to argue that humans and animals are essentially equals because both supposedly arose through evolution from common ancestry. As a result, vegans choose not only to avoid meat, but also products that come from animals, such as eggs, milk, or honey. These religious and philosophical convictions often shape dietary choices.

Christian Diet (Expanded Kosher)

Christians also have a doctrine of food, but it is based on the whole counsel of Scripture. In the beginning, God gave mankind plants for food (Genesis 1:29). After the Flood, God expanded man's diet and specifically permitted the eating of animals (Genesis 9:3).

Under the Mosaic Covenant, God distinguished between "clean" and "unclean" animals for cleanliness diets (Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14). These laws served various purposes within Israel's covenant relationship with God, including setting Israel apart from the surrounding nations but also for health reasons at the time.

All food meats are clean according to Christ; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

However, the New Testament teaches that Christ declared all foods clean (Mark 7:18-19). Later, God reinforced this truth through Peter's vision in Acts 10, where Peter was told not to call unclean what God had cleansed. The Apostle Paul likewise taught that believers are not to be judged concerning food regulations (Colossians 2:16-17) and that every creature of God is good when received with thanksgiving (1 Timothy 4:3-5).

As a result, Christians are free to eat foods that were once prohibited under the Mosaic Covenant because they are now clean. Pork products such as bacon, ham, pepperoni, and pork chops may be eaten. Animals such as rabbits, catfish, shrimp, and lobsters may likewise be eaten with a clear conscience as they are now clean—a task all-too-easy for God to do. The Old Testament distinctions regarding clean and unclean meats no longer apply in the same way to those who are in Christ. Christians still eat a clean diet, but this clean diet is now expanded, which is why many call it an expanded kosher diet.

This does not mean Christians should eat recklessly (gorge yourself, gluttony, don’t eat food with dirt on it or rotting/expired meat, and be sure to cook it properly). The Bible still teaches principles of wisdom, self-control, moderation, thankfulness, and stewardship of the body. Gluttony is condemned (Proverbs 23:20-21), and believers are instructed to honor God with their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Food should be received with gratitude rather than abused.

Historically, the opening of the diet by Christ categorically changed cultures shaped by Christianity. Throughout much of Europe, the Americas, Australia, and other regions influenced by Christian teaching, foods such as bacon, ham, eggs, shrimp, pepperoni, lobster, and similar items became common parts of the diet. Restaurants in these regions typically serve such foods without concern for Old Testament restrictions.

Pepperoni (make from pork) is part of the expanded kosher or Christian diet; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Some people object to the idea that God would change dietary requirements. Yet this presents no difficulty for Christianity. The same God who established dietary restrictions for Israel also had the authority to modify those restrictions by making more things clean. Jesus Christ is not merely a teacher or prophet; He is God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9). Therefore, He possesses full authority to declare foods clean (with the power to truly make them clean) and to establish the dietary practices of the New Covenant.

The "Doctrine of Demons" and Food Restrictions (1 Timothy 4:1-5)

In 1 Timothy 4:1-5, the Apostle Paul warns that some people would depart from the faith and follow "deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons" (v. 1). He then gives examples of such false teachings, including "forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth" (v. 3, NKJV).

Paul is not condemning voluntary fasting, temporary dietary choices, health-related restrictions, or personal preferences (I despise the taste of oysters!). Rather, he is clarifying and addressing religious systems that teach that certain foods are inherently spiritually defiling or that abstaining from them is necessary for righteousness, holiness, or salvation. Such teachings deny the freedom that Christ secured for believers and undermine God's declaration that these food items are good for one’s diet.

Paul explains that God created foods to be received with thanksgiving, and he concludes, "For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer" (vv. 4-5, NKJV). This reflects Christ's teaching that all foods are clean (Mark 7:19) and Peter's vision in Acts 10, where God declared formerly unclean animals to be clean.

Therefore, the "doctrine of demons" regarding food is not merely avoiding certain foods by personal choice, cultural custom, or medical necessity. It is the false religious teaching that God forbids foods He has declared clean, or that spiritual standing before God depends upon abstaining from particular foods. Such teachings replace God's Word with man-made regulations and obscure the liberty believers have in Christ.

Conclusion

Diet is never merely about food. It reflects deeper beliefs about God, creation, mankind, and authority. Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, secular philosophies, and Christianity each have dietary implications flowing from their worldviews.

According to Scripture, Christians are free to eat all kinds of food because Christ has made all foods clean. Nevertheless, believers are called to receive God's provision with thanksgiving, wisdom, moderation, and a desire to glorify God in all things—even in what they eat and drink (1 Corinthians 10:31).

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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 Chat GPT 

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[1] Bukhari, Etime 52; Muslim, Eshrabe 129.

The Doctrine Of The Flood

The Doctrine Of The Flood

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, June 15, 2026 (Donate)

The Flood of Noah's day was one of the most important—and devasting—events in world history. According to Genesis 6–9, God sent a worldwide Flood to judge mankind because of its wickedness and violence.

Yet God also showed mercy by saving Noah, his family, and representatives of the animal kinds aboard the Ark. The Flood explains much of the world we see today, including many geological features, fossils, and the reshaping of earth's surface.

The Flood was about 4350 years ago; Image from Presentation Library

Why Was The Flood Global And Not Local?

The Bible describes the Flood as covering the entire earth, not merely one region. Genesis 7:19-20 states that all the high hills under the whole heaven were covered by water. The waters rose so high that even the mountains disappeared beneath them by no less than 15 cubits. A cubit is from fingertip to elbow and was usually 18-21 inches in ancient times (which is 22.5-26.25 feet).

If the Flood had only been local (a river or lake flood), Noah would not have needed to build a massive Ark. God could simply have directed Noah to move to another area. Furthermore, Genesis repeatedly says that all flesh on the earth died except those on the Ark. The language used throughout Genesis 6–9 describes a judgment affecting the entire world.

A "local flood" makes no sense of the context in Genesis; Image from Presentation Library

Consider also the rainbow promise. It makes no sense if the Genesis Flood was a local flood since local floods happen all the time! The New Testament also treats the Flood as a worldwide event. For instance, the Apostle Peter referred to the world that then existed being destroyed by water (2 Peter 3:5-6).

Not a local flood; Image from Presentation Library

The Flood Accounts For Most Rock Layers That Contain Fossils

Around the world, billions of dead creatures (land and sea life) are buried in sedimentary rock layers. This is what we expect with a global flood where water overtakes the land and sediment and mud and mix and form layers. Fossils are usually formed when plants or animals are buried rapidly (to seal out the oxygen) before scavengers, bacteria, and weathering can destroy them.

The Flood provides an amazing explanation for the vast fossil record from Cambrian layers to the Miocene. Massive amounts of mud, sand, and sediment would have been carried by moving water and deposited across continents—some huge patches that stretch across continents and some smaller patches too. As animals and plants were suddenly buried, or broken apart, transported then buried—many became fossils, where others rotted and decayed.

We are walking around on it all over the world! Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Marine fossils are found on mountaintops, giant fossil graveyards are found around the world, and many fossils show evidence of rapid burial. The Flood explains how such enormous numbers of creatures could be buried quickly over large areas.

The Flood Reshaped The Earth

The world before the Flood was likely very different from the world we know today. During the Flood, enormous geological forces reshaped the earth's surface.

Many creation scientists believe that the Flood was associated with major tectonic activity, including the movement of continents, the uplifting of mountain ranges, and the sinking of ocean basins (consider Psalm 104:8-9). This activity helped produce many of the major features we see today.

Marble Canyon (that leads into the Grand Canyon); Photo by Bodie Hodge

High mountain ranges such as the Himalayas, Rockies, Mountains of Ararat, and Andes likely reached much of their present height after or near Day 150 of the Flood. Deep ocean trenches and basins were also formed. Vast quantities of moving water carved valleys, deposited sediments, and reshaped landscapes across the globe—especially during the runoff phase of the Flood.

Features such as the Grand Canyon are often viewed by creationists as evidence of powerful water erosion occurring during (or possibly shortly after) the Flood rather than over millions of years.

All Land-Dwelling And Air-Breathing Animals Died By Day 150

Genesis records that the waters prevailed on the earth for 150 days (Genesis 7:24) and then the Ark struck the uplifting Mountains of Ararat. During this period, every land-dwelling, air-breathing creature outside the Ark perished.

The Bible specifically states that everything on dry land in whose nostrils was the breath of life died (Genesis 7:22-23). This included people, land mammals, reptiles, birds, and other air-breathing creatures not protected aboard the Ark. Only Noah, his family, and the animals on the Ark survived.

Noah And The Animals Were On The Ark For Over A Year

Many people imagine the Flood lasting only forty days and forty nights. While it rained for forty days and nights—this was the initial rain that finally lifted the Ark to start floating. The entire Flood event lasted much longer—many putting it at 370/371 days depending on rounding (in other words, do you count the first and last days as full days [371] or half days [370]?).

This is also based on using a 360-day year (30-day months) which many ancient did. They would add in an extra month every 6 years to reset the calendar back to a 365-day actual year. But a 360-day calendar is implied as the 150 day was exactly 5 months—which means 30 days each (see: Genesis 7:11; Genesis 7:24-8:4).

According to the biblical timeline, Noah and his family entered the Ark before the Flood began and remained aboard for more than a year. During that time, God protected and provided for everyone aboard. The Ark served as a place of safety in the midst of worldwide judgment.

Which Animals Were Taken On The Ark?

God instructed Noah to bring representatives of the land-dwelling, air-breathing animal kinds onto the Ark.

For most animal kinds, Noah brought two animals—a male and its mate (Genesis 6:19-20). These pairs would later reproduce and repopulate the earth.

For clean animals, God instructed Noah to bring seven so that there would be sufficient animals for reproduction and for sacrifice after the Flood (Genesis 7:2-3).[1] Noah later offered sacrifices to God after leaving the Ark (Genesis 8:20).

Animals exiting the Ark; Image from Presentation Library

These animals were representatives of created kinds rather than every species that exists today. After the Flood, the descendants of those animals spread across the earth and diversified into the many varieties we see now—and many have gone extinct since then—including dinosaurs.

The Flood Explains Many Features Of The Modern World

The Flood helps explain many features found on earth today. It accounts for most fossils because countless organisms were buried rapidly by sediment.

The Flood also helps us understanding the formation of vast coal deposits, many oil reserves, and petrified wood. Large amounts of buried plants and animals would have been subjected to pressure and other processes during and after the Flood.

The Flood also helps explain many modern geological features, including:

• River valleys
• Canyons
• Lakes
• Inland seas
• Coastal plains
• Sedimentary rock layers
• Fossil graveyards
• Extensive erosion surfaces

Creationists also point to the Flood as a reason for the increased saltiness of today's oceans. Large amounts of minerals and dissolved materials would have been carried into the seas during and after the cataclysm.

Furthermore, the Flood explains why the original Garden of Eden cannot be located today. The world was so dramatically altered that the pre-Flood landscape was destroyed, scattered, and buried beneath amidst Flood sediments.

God Judges Sin But Provides Salvation

The Flood teaches an important spiritual lesson. God is holy and just. He judges sin.

The people of Noah's day had become exceedingly wicked. Violence and corruption filled the earth (Genesis 6:5, 11-13). God's judgment came upon the world through the Flood.

Yet the Flood also demonstrates God's mercy. God provided a way of escape through the Ark. Anyone who entered the Ark would have been saved from judgment.

In many ways, the Ark points forward to Jesus Christ. Just as Noah and his family were saved by entering the Ark, sinners today can be saved by trusting in Christ. God provides salvation from judgment through His Son.

Conclusion

The Flood was a real historical event that changed the world forever. It explains much of the fossil record, many geological features, and the dramatic reshaping of the earth's surface. It reminds us that God takes sin seriously and that His judgments are real.

At the same time, it shows God's mercy, because He provided Noah and his family a way of salvation through the Ark. The Flood stands as both a warning and a testimony to God's justice, grace, and faithfulness.

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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

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[1] Some suggest seven pairs but most have seven individuals in the same way we have two unclean individual animals, and not two pairs (i.e., four or each unclean animal)

The Doctrine Of The Tower Of Babel

The Doctrine Of The Tower Of Babel

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, June 11, 2026 (Donate)

The Tower of Babel was one of the most significant events in early post-Flood history. Recorded in Genesis 11:1-9, it occurred after Noah's descendants had multiplied following the Flood. At that time, "the whole earth had one language and one speech" (Genesis 11:1, NKJV). 

Rather than spreading throughout the world as God had commanded, mankind gathered together on the plain of Shinar and undertook a massive building project centered around a city and an enormous tower.

Tower of Babel; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

The builders declared, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens" (Genesis 11:4, NKJV). The purpose was not merely architectural achievement but sinful rebellion. They sought selfish fame, unity apart from God, and protection from being scattered across the earth. The tower became a symbol of mankind's autonomous pride, self-sufficiency, and rejection of God's authority.

Where Was It (Etemenanki Site)?

The Tower of Babel was located in the land of Shinar—which means “between two rivers” (Genesis 11:2), which later became known as Babylonia in southern Mesopotamia. Most researchers identify ancient Babel with the city of Babylon (e.g., the later empire seat of power with Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel, etc.) in modern Iraq (name derived from Erech in Genesis 10:10) on the Euphrates River—they are spelt identical in Hebrew.

Biblical archaeologists, like Dr. Clifford Wilson, associated the Tower of Babel at the site known as Etemenanki. The name means "House of the Foundation of Heaven and Earth." Interestingly, this reflects the language in Genesis 11:4 “and a tower whose top is in the heavens”.

Ancient Babylonian records, which is far later than the events in Genesis 10, describe Etemenanki as a massive ziggurat dedicated to the false pagan god Marduk. Though the surviving structure dated long after the original Babel event, many historians believe it may have been built upon the same location or preserved the memory of the earlier tower as it was repaired, rebuilt, and expanded down through the ages as afforded by ancient records.

Ancient writers described Etemenanki as one of the most impressive structures in Babylon. Over the centuries it was rebuilt multiple times by Babylonian kings, including Nebuchadnezzar II's extensive rework. While archaeologists cannot prove that Etemenanki is the original Tower of Babel, it remains the only major candidate based on geography, historical tradition, and biblical descriptions.

The final iteration of it was torn down by Alexander the Great in hopes of rebuilding it; but his untimely death (in Babylon no less!) in 323 BC prevented it. Hence, the rebuild never took place and it passed into the pages of history until German archeologists started excavating it in 1899 (beginning with Robert Koldewey). 

Why Did Noah's Descendants Build It?

Following the Flood, God gave Noah and his descendants a clear command:

"Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1b, NKJV).

This instruction was repeated in Genesis 9:7. God's plan was for humanity to spread throughout the world, exercising dominion over the earth and establishing communities across the globe.

The people at Babel opted to defy God and chose the opposite course. Genesis 11:4 records their motive:

"Let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth." NKJV

Their statement reveals direct resistance to God's command. So, they knew God’s command but went against it. Instead of filling the earth, they sought centralized power and security through human unity. Rather than trusting God's promises, they trusted themselves.

The issue was therefore not the construction of a tower. The sin was rebellion against God. If God let them get away their sin against Him, then they could get away with anything (Genesis 11:6).

God, being a just God, had to step in. Babel represented a type of united human civilization seeking independence from our Creator. It became the first major post-Flood expression of organized humanism openly defying submission to God.

What Was Its Base Size?

Many scholars rightly identify the structure as a ziggurat—a massive stepped pyramid common in Mesopotamia. Such towers were often associated with later pagan religions that once against deviated from God. These towers were designed to connect earth and heaven “symbolically”. The Tower of Babel thus represents humanity's first organized rebellion against God's post-Flood commands.

By Nebuchadnezzar’s day and based on archaeological studies of Babylon and the Etemenanki ruins, the tower appears to have had an enormous square foundation. The evidence discussed by Professor Andrew George suggests a base approximately 300 feet (91 meters) on each side (roughly 90,000 square feet).

But this was a later tower with the final base foundation. Under it are two other platforms from previous iterations of Babel the lowest being 213 feet (65 meters) which is roughly 45,000 square feet. This lowest base foundation is the likely base size for the original Tower of Babel.

This would have made it one of the larger structures in the ancient world and was surely the tallest in the early post-Flood world for a time. The tower likely consisted of multiple stepped levels rising toward the sky. Ancient Babylonian descriptions indicate that later versions of Etemenanki reached heights approaching 300 feet as well.

Such dimensions show the remarkable engineering abilities of Noah's descendants only a few generations after the Flood. The post-Flood population retained significant knowledge inherited from the pre-Flood world. Babel showed man's technological capabilities, but those abilities were being directed toward rebellion rather than obedience.

How Did It Affect Language?

God intervened directly to halt the rebellion at Babel. Genesis 11:7 records God's judgment:

"Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech." NKJV

Prior to Babel, humanity spoke a single language (Genesis 10 is a breakdown of what happened in Genesis 11:1-9—it didn’t precede it chronologically). After God's intervention, multiple language groups suddenly appeared—a minimum of at least 78 language families according Genesis 10.

Communication between groups became nearly impossible, bringing further rebellion to an immediate halt and forcing them to scatter to their designated lands—consider Genesis 9:27 where Japheth’s territory was increased; so they should have known the generalities of their family’s land claims and moved there.

The Bible presents this event as the origin of the world's language families. Rather than languages evolving slowly from primitive speech, Scripture teaches that God supernaturally divided human speech into distinct languages—which continued to change into the various languages and dialects we have today.

These initial language groups eventually became the foundations for future nations, tribes, and peoples throughout the earth.

The city received the name Babel because there "the LORD confused the language of all the earth" (Genesis 11:9). The Hebrew word balal means "to confuse" or "to mix."

How Did It Split The Gene Pool Apart So People Looked Different As Nations Built Up In Different Places?

All people today descend from Adam and Eve through Noah and his family. Therefore, the human race shares a common ancestry and is fundamentally one race—often dubbed Adam’s race or the human race or the race of man/mankind.

Following Babel, the newly formed language groups of families migrated into different regions of the world. As populations became geographically isolated, their gene pools also became increasingly separated.

The descendants of Noah carried tremendous genetic diversity within their DNA. As smaller groups settled in different environments and married primarily within their own communities, certain genetic traits became more common in some populations than others. The people in China for instance took genes for an almond shaped eye, people who went to sub-Saharan Africa took genes for darker skin, people who went to Scandinavia took genes for lighter skin and so on. These people are still all one race with beautiful variations, not to be separated into “higher and lower” evolutionary races.

One race; The variation in skin tone is due to the amount of melanin (a brownish pigment) in the skin; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Over many generations this process produced noticeable differences in skin shade, facial features, hair texture, eye shape, and other physical characteristics. Environmental pressures, natural selection acting on existing genetic information, and population isolation all contributed to these differences.

From a biblical creation perspective, these variations did not arise through evolutionary transformation from different ancestral groups. Rather, they developed from genetic variation already present within Noah's descendants. Babel accelerated this process by dividing humanity into separate populations that no longer freely intermarried on a global scale with the exception of war, slavery, and borderline nations—until empires came about conquering whole nations.

Thus, while nations came to look different externally, all people remain descendants of the same original human family and bear the image of God—with eternal value.

Conclusion

The Tower of Babel stands as a powerful reminder of humanity's tendency to rebel against God's authority. Rather than obeying God's command to fill the earth, Noah's descendants sought unity, security, and fame apart from Him. Their efforts culminated in the construction of a great city and tower in the land of Shinar, likely associated with the later site of Etemenanki in Babylon.

God judged this rebellion by confusing human language, forcing mankind to disperse across the globe. This division gave rise to the world's language groups and eventually contributed to the formation of nations with distinct cultures and physical characteristics.

Yet the Babel account is also a testimony to God's sovereignty. Msn’s sinful pride sought to establish itself independent of God, but God's purposes prevailed. Who can stand against the infinite power of God?

The scattering at Babel fulfilled His command to populate the earth and shaped the course of human history. Ultimately, Scripture presents Babel as the opposite of God's redemptive plan in Christ, through whom people from every tribe, tongue, and nation are united again—not in rebellion against God, but in worship of Him. (Revelation 7:9-10).

Recommended Resource:

The Tower of Babel

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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

 

 

Where Was Noah's Ark's Door Located?

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 deck.

Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

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.

Door Forward Design; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

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.

Door Aft Design; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

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.

An exit ramp would have surely been prepared, likely a bit more complex, but this give you an idea. Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

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.

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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

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[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.