The lifespans of the patriarchs, as recorded in the Bible, are a subject of great interest and significance within the scriptural narrative. These extended lifespans are primarily documented in the Book of Genesis and provide insight into the antediluvian (pre-Flood) and postdiluvian (post-Flood) periods. The patriarchs' ages are often seen as a testament to the unique conditions of the early world and the unfolding of God's plan through His chosen people.

Antediluvian Patriarchs

The antediluvian patriarchs, those who lived before the Great Flood, are noted for their remarkably long lifespans. The genealogy from Adam to Noah in Genesis 5 provides a detailed account of these early figures:

1. Adam · The first man created by God, Adam lived for 930 years (Genesis 5:5). His long life set the precedent for the extended lifespans of his descendants.

2. Seth · Adam's son, Seth, lived for 912 years (Genesis 5:8). He was born after the death of Abel and is considered the ancestor of the righteous line leading to Noah.

3. Enosh · Seth's son, Enosh, lived for 905 years (Genesis 5:11). His time marked the beginning of people calling on the name of the LORD.

4. Kenan · Enosh's son, Kenan, lived for 910 years (Genesis 5:14).

5. Mahalalel · Kenan's son, Mahalalel, lived for 895 years (Genesis 5:17).

6. Jared · Mahalalel's son, Jared, lived for 962 years (Genesis 5:20).

7. Enoch · Jared's son, Enoch, is unique among the patriarchs as he did not die but was taken by God. He lived for 365 years (Genesis 5:23-24).

8. Methuselah · Enoch's son, Methuselah, is renowned for having the longest recorded lifespan in the Bible, living for 969 years (Genesis 5:27).

9. Lamech · Methuselah's son, Lamech, lived for 777 years (Genesis 5:31). He is the father of Noah.

10. Noah · The last of the antediluvian patriarchs, Noah lived for 950 years (Genesis 9:29). He is most famous for building the ark and surviving the Flood.

Postdiluvian Patriarchs

After the Flood, the Bible records a gradual decline in human lifespans. This change is often attributed to the altered conditions of the post-Flood world:

1. Shem · Noah's son, Shem, lived for 600 years (Genesis 11:10-11). He is considered the ancestor of the Semitic peoples.

2. Arphaxad · Shem's son, Arphaxad, lived for 438 years (Genesis 11:12-13).

3. Shelah · Arphaxad's son, Shelah, lived for 433 years (Genesis 11:14-15).

4. Eber · Shelah's son, Eber, lived for 464 years (Genesis 11:16-17). The term "Hebrew" is believed to be derived from his name.

5. Peleg · Eber's son, Peleg, lived for 239 years (Genesis 11:18-19). His time is noted for the division of the earth.

6. Reu · Peleg's son, Reu, lived for 239 years (Genesis 11:20-21).

7. Serug · Reu's son, Serug, lived for 230 years (Genesis 11:22-23).

8. Nahor · Serug's son, Nahor, lived for 148 years (Genesis 11:24-25).

9. Terah · Nahor's son, Terah, lived for 205 years (Genesis 11:32). He is the father of Abram (Abraham).

10. Abraham · The first of the patriarchs to enter into a covenant with God, Abraham lived for 175 years (Genesis 25:7). His life marks a significant transition in the biblical narrative.

The lifespans of the patriarchs serve as a framework for understanding the early history of humanity as presented in the Bible. These ages reflect the divine order and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through His chosen lineage.