How Long Did They Really Live? Exploring Biblical Lifespan Contradictions

In this article, you will learn how Genesis 5:31 contradicts Genesis 6:3, Genesis 11:10-11 and Psalm 90:10. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..

When delving into the Bible, one might stumble upon puzzling contradictions regarding human lifespans, like those found from Genesis to Psalms. For instance, Genesis 5:31 tells us that Lamech lived for an incredible 777 years. This depiction of long lifespans in the pre-flood era is awe-inspiring, suggesting a world quite different from ours today.

However, this longevity seems to clash with other scriptural accounts. In Genesis 6:3, there’s a stark proclamation limiting human lifespans to 120 years. It’s akin to suddenly discovering a historic city ordinance that limits building heights after centuries of constructing towering skyscrapers. This decree raises the question: were these biblical figures exceptions, or is there another layer to interpret?

Further complicating matters is Genesis 11:10-11, where Shem is described as living for 600 years. This example adds another layer of complexity, akin to finding out your great-great-grandparents were still alive into your adulthood despite society's shift to shorter lives. It leaves one questioning the true span of human life during those times.

The conundrum deepens in Psalm 90:10, where we read that a human's lifespan is around seventy years, or eighty with strength. It’s a poetic acknowledgment of life’s brevity that resonates with modern sensibilities but clashes with the ancient tales of centuries-spanning lives.

These discrepancies beg for interpretation and understanding. Were these vast age differences literal truths, metaphorical narratives, or symbolic accounts carrying deeper messages? Do they reflect a changing state of human existence or divine intentions? The stark contrasts in lifespans throughout biblical texts invite readers to ponder the nature of time and mortality as viewed by ancient societies. They challenge us to explore the contexts and philosophies that might explain why these numbers differ so greatly from one passage to another.