People Who Lived a Long Time

The Bible book of Genesis speaks of seven men who lived more than 900 years, all of them being born prior to the Flood of Noah’s day. They were Adam, Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Jared, Methuselah, and Noah. (Genesis 5:5-27; 9:29) Many of these men may be unfamiliar to most people, but all of them were among the first ten generations in human history. Methuselah is well-known for having lived the longest​—a record 969 years!

The Bible mentions at least another 25 individuals who also reached ages beyond what is common today. Some of them lived 300, 400, even 700 or more years. (Genesis 5:28-31;

Was Time Measured Differently?

Some have alleged that time was measured differently in those days and that what was called a year was actually a month. An analysis of the Genesis account, however, leaves no doubt that people back then had the same concept of time as we do today. Consider two examples. In the Flood account, we read that the Deluge began when Noah was 600 years old, “in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month.” Then it goes on to say that the waters overwhelmed the earth for 150 days and that “in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat.” (Genesis 7:11, 24; 8:4) Thus, a period of five months​—from the 17th day of the second month to the 17th day of the seventh month of that year—​is said to be 150 days. Clearly, the claim that a year was actually a month is totally baseless.

Now consider a second example. According to Genesis 5:15-18, Mahalalel fathered a son at the age of 65, lived on for 830 years, and died at the age of 895. His grandson Enoch also fathered a son when 65 years old. (Genesis 5:21) If a year were really one month, then those two men would have become parents when they were only five years old! Does that make any sense?

The outstanding longevity of those men living prior to the Flood proves that the human body has a remarkable potential for life. Modern technology has enabled scientists to take a closer look at the human body and its marvelous design, including its amazing capacity for regenerating and healing itself. Their conclusion? It is capable of living indefinitely. “[Aging],” says Professor of Medicine Tom Kirkwood, “remains one of the great mysteries of medical science.”