This denominative verb means to cover with pitch or to waterproof by pitching, appearing in Genesis 6:14 where God commands Noah to pitch the ark inside and out with pitch. The verb derives from the noun for pitch (kofer), creating a play on sound with the more common verb meaning 'to atone' (kaphar). The command ensures the ark's waterproofing—essential for surviving the flood. Pitch, a petroleum-based sealant, was widely used in ancient Mesopotamia for waterproofing boats and buildings. The instruction's specificity reflects the practical engineering needed to preserve life through judgment.