Meaning
Pitch has several meanings in ordinary English. It can refer to the highness or lowness of a musical sound, a slope, a persuasive presentation, or a thick, sticky substance. As a verb, it can mean to throw something, set up a tent, or cover something with pitch.
Biblical Usage
In the Bible, pitch refers to a thick, sticky substance used to seal and waterproof materials. In Genesis 6:14, Noah was instructed to cover the ark within and without with pitch. In Exodus 2:3, the ark made for Moses was coated with slime and pitch to make it watertight.
Isaiah 34:9 uses the word in a description of judgment, stating that the streams would be turned into pitch and the land would become burning pitch.
Key References
- Genesis 6:14 — Pitch was used to cover the ark within and without.
- Exodus 2:3 — Pitch was applied to the ark of bulrushes in which Moses was placed.
- Isaiah 34:9 — Pitch is mentioned in the description of judgment upon the land of Idumea.
Related Terms
- Ark — A vessel or chest; in these passages, a covered structure or small vessel.
- Bulrushes — Reeds used in making the ark in which Moses was placed.