What is Life Expectancy?

Without becoming overly somber, this question has been on my mind lately. Turning to the Bible, we find a fascinating perspective on longevity through the lives of various characters, especially in the Old Testament.

Longevity Before the Flood

Before the global flood, lifespans were extraordinary by today’s standards. For example:

• Adam lived 930 years (Genesis 5:5).
• Methuselah, the longest-lived person in the Bible, lived 969 years (Genesis 5:27).
• Noah lived 950 years (Genesis 9:29).

These extended lifespans enabled early humans to populate the earth, pass down knowledge, and establish civilizations long before written records existed.

A Decline in Lifespan After the Flood

After the flood, there is a noticeable reduction in human longevity:

• God declared, “My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years” (Genesis 6:3).
• Lifespans gradually shortened. For instance:
  • Abraham lived 175 years (Genesis 25:7).
  • Moses lived 120 years, with his life divided into three significant periods of 40 years each (Deuteronomy 34:7).

Longevity as a Blessing and a Sign of Righteousness

In many cases, long life was considered a reward for obedience and faithfulness to God. As Proverbs 10:27 notes, “The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.” Long life was often tied to God’s covenant with His people. For example, in Deuteronomy 5:33, God promises long life to those who walk in His ways.

However, longevity in the Bible wasn’t just about the number of years lived; it was also about living a meaningful and fulfilled life. Take Job, for instance: after enduring significant trials, he lived 140 years and witnessed his descendants to the fourth generation (Job 42:16).

A Shift Toward Eternal Life

While physical longevity was valued in the Old Testament, the New Testament shifts the focus toward eternal life through Jesus Christ. In John 3:16, eternal life becomes the ultimate form of longevity, transcending earthly existence.

The Biblical View of Life’s True Essence

The Bible portrays longevity as a gift from God, often associated with purpose, faithfulness, and alignment with His divine plans. Yet, it emphasizes that the true essence of life is not found in its length but in fulfilling God’s will and embracing the promise of eternal life.

As Psalm 90:12 beautifully reminds us:
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

In the end, life is about living with purpose, walking in obedience, and focusing on the eternal rather than the temporal.