Boat vs. Ark — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 4, 2024
A boat is generally a small, versatile watercraft for transport or recreation, while an ark is typically a large, biblically described vessel used for survival during the Great Flood.
Difference Between Boat and Ark
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Boats are commonly used for various purposes including fishing, transportation, and leisure activities. They come in multiple forms, sizes, and are powered by sails, motors, or human force. Whereas, an ark, as historically and biblically noted, refers specifically to Noah’s Ark, a gigantic vessel built to save Noah, his family, and pairs of animal species from the Great Flood.
Boats are often designed for specific environments such as rivers, lakes, or seas, and their construction and materials vary accordingly. On the other hand, the ark is described as a unique, wooden vessel of enormous dimensions, designed not for navigation but for flotation and survival over an extended period.
In contemporary usage, the term "boat" frequently implies a smaller, manageable size compared to ships, which are larger. An ark, in contrast, is typically envisioned as very large and capable of holding a wide variety of life forms, reflecting its biblical purpose of preserving life.
Boat designs and usage are subject to modern maritime laws and regulations concerning safety, environmental concerns, and navigation rights. In contrast, the ark is a concept anchored in religious texts, primarily symbolizing salvation and protection, with its design dictated by divine instruction as per biblical accounts.
Boat ownership and usage are often associated with recreational activities such as boating clubs, racing competitions, and leisure fishing. Meanwhile, the ark remains a symbol of refuge and hope, often used metaphorically in literature and speeches to convey a sense of sanctuary or survival against overwhelming odds.
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Comparison Chart
Size and Use
Ranges from small dinghies to large yachts
Extremely large, built for a specific, one-time purpose
Purpose
Transportation, recreation, or fishing
To preserve human and animal life during a catastrophic flood
Design Variability
Highly variable, designed for specific water conditions
Specified in the Bible, large and box-like
Symbolism
Freedom, adventure, or leisure
Survival, hope, and divine intervention
Regulation and Usage
Subject to maritime laws and regulations
No regulations, described in a religious context
Compare with Definitions
Boat
Small watercraft.
He enjoys sailing his boat on the lake every weekend.
Ark
Biblically described vessel.
The ark, as described in the Bible, was built by Noah.
Boat
Subject to maritime laws.
His boat must comply with new maritime safety regulations.
Ark
Large and box-like design.
The ark was designed to accommodate all kinds of animals.
Boat
Recreational vessel.
Their family bought a boat for summer fishing trips.
Ark
Symbol of salvation.
The ark represents a symbol of hope and survival in stories.
Boat
Powered by sails or motor.
They upgraded their boat with a more powerful motor.
Ark
Central to flood narrative.
The story of the ark centers on surviving a great flood.
Boat
Used in racing.
She participates in boat racing competitions each year.
Ark
Used metaphorically.
In his speech, he referred to the city as an ark of culture and knowledge.
Boat
A dish shaped like a boat
A sauce boat.
Ark
Often Ark(Bible) The chest containing the Ten Commandments written on stone tablets, carried by the Hebrews during their desert wanderings. Also called Ark of the Covenant.
Boat
A boat is a watercraft of a large range of types and sizes, but generally smaller than a ship, which is distinguished by its larger size, shape, cargo or passenger capacity, or its ability to carry boats. Small boats are typically found on inland waterways such as rivers and lakes, or in protected coastal areas.
Ark
Often Ark(Judaism) The Holy Ark.
Boat
A relatively small, usually open craft of a size that might be carried aboard a ship.
Ark
(Bible) The boat built by Noah for survival during the Flood.
Boat
An inland vessel of any size.
Ark
(Nautical) A large, commodious boat.
Boat
A ship or submarine.
Ark
A shelter or refuge.
Boat
To travel by boat.
Ark
A large box with a flat lid.
Boat
To ride a boat for pleasure.
Ark
Noah's Ark: the ship built by Noah to save his family and a collection of animals from the deluge.
Boat
To transport by boat.
Ark
Something affording protection; safety, shelter, refuge
Boat
To place in a boat.
Ark
A spacious type of boat with a flat bottom.
Boat
A craft used for transportation of goods, fishing, racing, recreational cruising, or military use on or in the water, propelled by oars or outboard motor or inboard motor or by wind.
Ark
(Judaism) The Ark of the Covenant.
Boat
(poker slang) A full house.
Ark
(Judaism) A decorated cabinet at the front of a synagogue, in which Torah scrolls are kept.
Boat
A vehicle, utensil, or dish somewhat resembling a boat in shape.
A stone boat;
A gravy boat
Ark
A chest, or coffer.
Bearing that precious relic in an ark.
Boat
(chemistry) One of two possible conformations of cyclohexane rings (the other being chair), shaped roughly like a boat.
Ark
The oblong chest of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, which supported the mercy seat with its golden cherubs, and occupied the most sacred place in the sanctuary. In it Moses placed the two tables of stone containing the ten commandments. Called also the Ark of the Covenant.
Boat
The refugee boats arriving in Australian waters, and by extension, refugees generally.
Ark
The large, chestlike vessel in which Noah and his family were preserved during the Deluge. Gen. vi. Hence: Any place of refuge.
Boat
(intransitive) To travel by boat.
Ark
A large flatboat used on Western American rivers to transport produce to market.
Boat
(transitive) To transport in a boat.
To boat goods
Ark
(Judaism) sacred chest where the ancient Hebrews kept the two tablets containing the Ten Commandments
Boat
(transitive) To place in a boat.
To boat oars
Ark
A boat built by Noah to save his family and animals from the Flood
Boat
A small open vessel, or water craft, usually moved by cars or paddles, but often by a sail.
Boat
Hence, any vessel; usually with some epithet descriptive of its use or mode of propulsion; as, pilot boat, packet boat, passage boat, advice boat, etc. The term is sometimes applied to steam vessels, even of the largest class; as, the Cunard boats.
Boat
A vehicle, utensil, or dish, somewhat resembling a boat in shape; as, a stone boat; a gravy boat.
Boat
To transport in a boat; as, to boat goods.
Boat
To place in a boat; as, to boat oars.
Boat
To go or row in a boat.
I boated over, ran my craft aground.
Boat
A small vessel for travel on water
Boat
A dish (often boat-shaped) for serving gravy or sauce
Boat
Ride in a boat on water
Common Curiosities
Can the term "ark" apply to any boat?
No, "ark" refers to a specific type of large vessel, primarily Noah's Ark from the Bible.
What does the ark symbolize in literature?
In literature, the ark often symbolizes hope, refuge, and survival against adversity.
Do boats come in different sizes?
Yes, boats range from small canoes and dinghies to larger yachts and fishing vessels.
Is the ark used as a metaphor?
Yes, the ark is frequently used as a metaphor for safety and salvation.
How are boats powered?
Boats can be powered by sails, motors, or human force such as rowing.
What materials are boats typically made from?
Boats are made from a variety of materials, including wood, fiberglass, and metal.
How do boats impact the environment?
Boats can impact the environment through fuel emissions, oil spills, and disruption of aquatic ecosystems.
What makes an ark different from other large vessels?
Unlike other large vessels, an ark is specifically described as a refuge during the biblical Great Flood.
Are boats regulated by specific laws?
Yes, boats are regulated by maritime laws that govern safety, environmental impact, and navigation.
What is the primary use of a boat?
Boats are primarily used for transportation, recreation, and fishing.
Was Noah’s Ark a real ship?
Noah's Ark is described in biblical texts, and its historical and physical existence is a subject of religious belief and archaeological debate.
Who built the ark according to the Bible?
According to the Bible, Noah built the ark at God's command.
Why is the ark significant in religious contexts?
In religious contexts, the ark is significant as a testament to faith, obedience, and divine providence during times of catastrophe.
How does the design of a boat affect its use?
The design of a boat influences its stability, speed, and suitability for different water conditions.
What types of activities are boats used for?
Boats are used for activities such as fishing, leisure cruising, water sports, and racing.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
