According to the Bible, people once lived for hundreds of years. Adam lived 930 years. Methuselah lived the longest of any person mentioned. He died at 969 years of age (see Genesis 5). Shortly after the Flood, however, we find people living much shorter life spans. Abraham, for example, lived 175 years (Gen. 25:7). A few generations later, Joseph lived “only” 110 years (Gen. 50:22). We are told in the Psalms that 70 years is considered to be a good long life (Ps. 90:10). David died at that age and was described as being an old man full of years (I Chron. 29:28). That was about 1000 B.C.
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Before the Flood
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| Biblical Patriarch | Life Span | Age at Birth of First Son |
| Adam | 930 | 130 |
| Seth | 912 | 105 |
| Enosh | 905 | 90 |
| Cainan | 910 | 70 |
| Mahalealel | 895 | 65 |
| Jared | 962 | 162 |
| Enoch | 365 | 65 |
| Methuselah | 969 | 187 |
| Lamech | 777 | 182 |
| Noah | 950 | 500 |
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After the Flood
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| Biblical Patriarch | Life Span | Age at Birth of First Son |
| Shem | 600 | 100 |
| Arphaxad | 498 | 35 |
| Salah | 433 | 30 |
| Eber | 464 | 34 |
| Peleg | 239 | 30 |
| Reu | 239 | 32 |
| Serug | 230 | 30 |
| Nahor | 148 | 29 |
| Terah | 205 | 70 |
Chart Source: Biblestudy.org
There have been many speculations concerning the great shortening of human life spans. The Bible, however, does not directly explain how or why this came to be. Possibly, God simply determined that about 70 years is sufficient time for a person to fulfill his purpose. Those who are called can prepare in that length of time to receive immortality at the return of Christ. Those not yet called can learn that the ways of man do not bring satisfaction or fulfillment. Thus, when they arise in the judgment they will be able to choose God’s way.
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