Who was the oldest man in the Bible?

Quick answer

The oldest man in the Bible is Methuselah, who lived 969 years.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Methuselah, the oldest man in the Bible, lived to 969 years old, part of a lineage of men with remarkably long lifespans. His was the grandfather of Noah and, given the meaning of his name, possibly received a divine revelation about the impending flood. Despite limited information about him, Methuselah is presumed to have been a righteous figure in a time of widespread wickedness, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God regardless of lifespan.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

The oldest man in the Bible was a man named Methuselah, who lived for 969 years (Genesis 5:27). Methuselah was one of nine men listed in Genesis 5 who lived very long lives. The others are: Adam (the first man), who lived 930 years (Genesis 5:5); Seth (912 years; Genesis 5:8); Enosh (905 years; Genesis 5:11); Kenan (910 years; Genesis 5:14); Mahalalel (895 years; Genesis 5:17); Jared (962 years; Genesis 5:20); Enoch (365 years; Genesis 5:22–24), who was also one of two men in the Bible who was taken to heaven without having to pass through death first (the other was Elijah; 2 Kings 2:11); and Lamech (777 years; Genesis 5:31). Noah lived 950 years (Genesis 9:29).
Methuselah was the son of Enoch, the man whom God took. Methuselah was also Noah's grandfather. Lamech was Noah's father.
Extra-biblical historical sources indicate that God gave Enoch a revelation, which we find hidden in Methuselah's name. The name has a dual meaning. It can mean "man of the spear" and it can mean "his death shall bring." It is believed that Enoch received a revelation from God that Methuselah's death would bring a great flood.
The biblical math fits. When Lamech was born, Methuselah was 187 years old (Genesis 5:25). When Noah was born, Lamech was 182 years old (Genesis 5:28). And when the flood occurred, Noah was 600 years old (Genesis 7:6). 187+182+600=969. This means that Methuselah died in the same year that the flood occurred.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

The oldest man in the Bible appears in the Old Testament.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

We do not know very much about Methuselah. We do know Methuselah was a descendant of Adam through his son Seth, and part of a righteous bloodline which was obedient to God during a wicked time in man's history (Genesis 6). He lived for 969 years and evidently died the same year the flood occurred. Likely he was a godly man to have been blessed with such a long life. Deuteronomy 5:33 reveals how God called Israel to live, which reveals to us what is important to Him, regardless of the length of our years: “You shall walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess.”

UNDERSTAND

Methuselah, the oldest man in the Bible, lived an astonishing 969 years.
Other notable figures like Adam, Seth, and Noah, also had remarkably long lifespans.
The numerical correlation between Methuselah's age and the timing of the flood, as calculated from biblical genealogy, suggests a potential connection between the two, possibly hinted at by the meaning of his name.

REFLECT

How does the concept of Methuselah's longevity challenge your understanding of living life for God and mortality as lifespans are shorter today?
Reflect on the significance of Methuselah's age in relation to the biblical narrative of the flood. What insights does this provide about the relationship between human actions and divine timing?
Consider Methuselah's role as part of a righteous bloodline during a morally corrupt era. What lessons can be drawn about faithfulness and obedience in challenging times?

ENGAGE

The longevity of individuals in early Genesis chapters remains a mystery, but there are a few explanations. One is that the godly line of Seth was blessed, possibly granting them extended lifespans. Another is that the global flood marked a shift, with lifespans drastically decreasing afterward, perhaps due to genetic changes or environmental alterations. These factors, alongside the progressive corruption of the human genetic code due to sin, likely contributed to the decline in human longevity over time.
Aging is seen as very different today than it was viewed in biblical times. What can we glean from Methuselah about aging and living for God as long as we live?
How does the concept of Methuselah's longevity challenge or affirm our perspectives on the purpose and meaning of life? Consider how his exceptionally long life may influence our understanding of legacy, purpose, and the passage of time in our own lives.