Long Life
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Definition and Significance:
Long life, in the biblical context, is often seen as a blessing from God, a reward for righteousness, and a sign of divine favor. It is associated with wisdom, prosperity, and the fulfillment of God's promises. The concept of long life is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, emphasizing its value and the conditions under which it is granted.

Biblical References:

1. Promises of Long Life:
The Bible frequently associates long life with obedience to God's commandments. In the Ten Commandments, honoring one's parents is directly linked to longevity: "Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12). Similarly, Deuteronomy 5:33 states, "Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess."

2. Wisdom and Long Life:
Wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs, often connects wisdom with long life. Proverbs 3:1-2 advises, "My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life" . This suggests that living wisely and adhering to divine instruction contributes to a prolonged and peaceful life.

3. Examples of Long Life:
Several biblical figures are noted for their long lives, often as a testament to their faithfulness and God's blessing. Methuselah, the grandfather of Noah, is famously known for his long life, living 969 years (Genesis 5:27). Abraham, a patriarch of the faith, lived to be 175 years old, and his long life is seen as a fulfillment of God's promise (Genesis 25:7-8).

4. Long Life as a Blessing:
In the Psalms, long life is depicted as a reward for those who love and trust in God. Psalm 91:16 declares, "With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation" . This verse highlights the connection between divine protection, salvation, and the blessing of longevity.

5. Conditional Nature of Long Life:
While long life is often portrayed as a blessing, the Bible also acknowledges that it is conditional upon one's relationship with God. Proverbs 10:27 states, "The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened" . This underscores the belief that reverence for God and righteous living are crucial for attaining long life.

6. Eternal Perspective:
The New Testament shifts the focus from earthly longevity to eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. While long life on earth is valued, the ultimate promise for believers is eternal life. John 3:16 affirms, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" .

Theological Implications:
Long life in the Bible is not merely about the number of years one lives but is deeply intertwined with spiritual and moral dimensions. It reflects a life lived in harmony with God's will, characterized by wisdom, obedience, and faithfulness. The biblical portrayal of long life serves as an encouragement for believers to pursue righteousness and maintain a close relationship with God, trusting in His promises for both temporal and eternal blessings.
Topical Bible Verses
Ephesians 6:1-4
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Topicalbible.org

Greek
166. aionios -- agelong, eternal
... aionios Phonetic Spelling: (ahee-o'-nee-os) Short Definition: eternal, unending
Definition: age-long, and therefore ... "Eternal (166 ) life operates simultaneously ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/166.htm - 8k

5598. O -- the last letter of the Gr. alphabet
... 5598 (long , originally formed by pronouncing two short o's together, cf. ... of the
Greek alphabet which represents the Lord as the originator of all life and all ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5598.htm - 7k

5035. tachu -- quickly
... used of God's characterizing how He has ordered all physical scenes of life to happen ...
of tachus Definition quickly NASB Word Usage before long (1), possible (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5035.htm - 7k

Strong's Hebrew
3117. yom -- day
... ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), + elder, X end, +
evening, + (for) ever(-lasting, -more), X full, life, as (so) long as (... ...
/hebrew/3117.htm - 7k

5750. od -- a going around, continuance, still, yet, again, beside
... 1), within (3), yet (43), yet again (1), yet more (1). again, all life long,
at all, besides, but, else, furthermore, henceforth,. ...
/hebrew/5750.htm - 7k

3605. kol -- the whole, all
... everywhere (2), everywhere* (2), far (1), farthest (1), forever* (10), full (2),
gaping (1), health* (1), just* (6), life* (1), lifetime* (1), long* (9), mere ...
/hebrew/3605.htm - 7k

8141. shanah -- a year
... 4), count (2), every year (2), length (3), life (1), year (318), yearling (2), yearly
(1), years (451), years the year (1). whole age, long, old, yearly. ...
/hebrew/8141.htm - 6k

Library

Of the Long Life and Greater Stature of the Antediluvians.
... Book XV. Chapter 9."Of the Long Life and Greater Stature of the Antediluvians.
Wherefore no one who considerately weighs facts ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 9 of the long life.htm

Wesley's Reasons for his Long Life
... Wesley Collects Money for the Poor; Visits the House of Lords; His Reasons for his
Long Life; "How is the Tide Turned;" Last Entries Wesley's Reasons for His ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesleys reasons for his long.htm

Rockingham. LM Life-Long Praise.
... 9 Rockingham. LM Life-long Praise. Life-long Praise. (12) God of my life!
through all my days My grateful powers shall sound my ...
/.../lorenz/the otterbein hymnal/9 rockingham l m life-long praise.htm

Of the End of this Life, Whether it is Material that it be Long ...
... The City of God.Book I. Chapter 11."Of the End of This Life, Whether It
is Material that It Be Long Delayed. But, it is added, many ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 11 of the end of.htm

The Journal of John Wesley
... Chapter 20. Wesley Collects Money for the Poor; Visits the House of Lords; His Reasons
for his Long Life; "How is the Tide Turned;" Last Entries. Introduction. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wesley/the journal of john wesley/

This is a Lesson Long Enough: which You May be all Your Life in ...
... THE FIRST CENTURY 45 This is a lesson long enough: which you may be all
your life in learning. This is a lesson long enough: which ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/45 this is a lesson.htm

That as Long as we are in this Mortal Life we May Lose the Love of ...
... BOOK IV. OF THE DECAY AND RUIN OF CHARITY. CHAPTER I. THAT AS LONG AS WE
ARE IN THIS MORTAL LIFE WE MAY LOSE THE LOVE OF GOD. We ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter i that as long.htm

Life a Tale
... Even if a long life lies before us, let us consider that thirty-five years is high
noon with us,"the meridian of that arc which comprehends but threescore ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapin/the crown of thorns/life a tale.htm

Wherefore, Children, Let us not Faint nor Deem that the Time is ...
... Life of Antony. Section 17. Wherefore, children, let us not faint nor
deem that the time is long? 17. Wherefore, children, let ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/life of antony section 17.htm

That the Friendship of Good Men Cannot be Securely Rested In, So ...
... Book XIX. Chapter 8."That the Friendship of Good Men Cannot Be Securely Rested
In, So Long as the Dangers of This Life Force Us to Be Anxious. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 8 that the friendship of.htm

Resources
How long did it take to write the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

How long was Joseph in prison? | GotQuestions.org

How long is a generation in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Long: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Long

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Long Hair
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