According to the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), Methuselah lived 969 years, as recorded in Genesis 5:27. He is often cited as the longest-lived human in biblical accounts. However, the longevity described in these ancient texts is a subject of ongoing discussion and interpretation.
Interpreting Biblical Lifespans
The Bible mentions several individuals who lived to extremely old ages, often exceeding 900 years. These accounts raise questions about their accuracy and interpretation. Some believe these ages are literal, while others suggest they represent a different system of timekeeping or symbolic meanings.
- Literal Interpretation: This view accepts the biblical accounts at face value, suggesting that people did, in fact, live to such advanced ages in the distant past.
- Symbolic Interpretation: This view suggests that the ages might represent symbolic or metaphorical meanings, not necessarily literal lifespans. For example, some suggest that the long lifespans reflect a close relationship with God or a specific era before the great flood. The creation.com article mentions the possibility of a pre-programmed genetic limit playing a role in aging, though this doesn't explain lifespans exceeding 900 years.
Extrabiblical Accounts
While the Bible is the primary source for these claims, some extrabiblical sources mention exceptionally long lifespans as well:
- Sumerian and Mesopotamian texts: These texts, predating the Bible, mention kings living for tens of thousands of years. These claims are similarly debated and lack widespread acceptance. (reddit.com)
Modern Scientific Perspective
Modern science does not support the possibility of humans living to 900 years old. There are biological limitations to human lifespan. The icr.org article mentions a geneticist fired for affirming the possibility of such lifespans, highlighting the skepticism surrounding this claim.
Conclusion
While the Bible lists Methuselah as having lived 969 years, the accuracy of such claims remains debated. Modern science does not support the possibility of human lifespans reaching such extreme lengths.
