ark

n. the large boat that Noah built to save his family and animals from a great flood.

n. the vessel constructed by the biblical figure Noah to preserve his family and pairs of every animal species during the Deluge.

“In the story, the animals entered the ark two by two before the rain started.”

“The narrative of the ark serves as a central motif of preservation and divine covenant within the Abrahamic traditions.”

n. a holy chest or box, especially the one that held the Ten Commandments.

n. the Ark of the Covenant; the gold-covered wooden chest described in the Book of Exodus as containing the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments.

“The priests carried the ark across the desert during their long journey.”

“Historical accounts describe the ark as the most sacred relic of the Israelites, housed within the Holy of Holies.”

Formal

n. a special cupboard in a synagogue where the Torah scrolls are kept.

n. a cabinet or decorative alcove in a synagogue that serves as the repository for the Torah scrolls.

“The congregation stood up as the rabbi opened the ark to remove the scroll.”

“The holy ark is typically positioned on the wall of the synagogue that faces toward Jerusalem.”

Technical

n. a place or thing that gives you protection or safety.

n. a place of protection or security; a refuge or shelter from danger.

“The small library became his ark during the long, lonely winter months.”

“For the exiled scholars, the university served as an ark of intellectual freedom amidst the rising political storm.”

Literary