Methuselah מְתוּשֶׁ֫לַח
The oldest person mentioned in the Bible.
Who is Methuselah in the Bible?
Methuselah was the son of Enoch and grandfather of Noah, and he is recognized as the oldest person mentioned in the Bible, living 969 years according to Genesis 5:27. As a member of the antediluvian patriarchs, Methuselah appears in the genealogical records of both 1 Chronicles 1:3 and Luke 3:37, establishing his significance in the lineage leading to Jesus. His extraordinarily long life is traditionally interpreted as a symbol of God's patience and mercy, as he lived until shortly after the flood that destroyed the wicked world of his time. Though the Bible provides little detail about his personal character or deeds, Methuselah's exceptional longevity stands as a testament to God's sovereignty during the ancient world and demonstrates the reliability of biblical genealogies.
Biography
Methuselah, the son of Enoch and the grandfather of Noah, is recognized as the oldest person mentioned in the Bible. He lived an astonishing 969 years (Gen.5.27). Methuselah's father, Enoch, walked with God and was taken by Him at the age of 365 (Gen.5.21-24). Methuselah's long life is seen as a symbol of God's patience and mercy in delaying the judgment of the flood until after his death. His name is mentioned in the genealogies of both Chronicles (1Ch.1.3) and Luke (Luk.3.37), emphasizing his importance in the lineage of the Messiah. Although little is known about Methuselah's personal life or character, his exceptional longevity stands as a testament to God's sovereignty and the reliability of His word.
Family
In Scripture
3 biblical books ; 2 with study contentGenesis 5 verses
- Genesis 5:21
"When Enoch was 65 years old, he became the father of Methuselah."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 5:22
"And after he had become the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 5:25
"When Methuselah was 187 years old, he became the father of Lamech."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 5:26
"And after he had become the father of Lamech, Methuselah lived 782 years and had other sons and daughters."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 5:27
"So Methuselah lived a total of 969 years, and then he died."
Study Genesis →
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 1:3
"Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah."
Luke 1 verse
- Luke 3:37
"the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Cainan,"
Study Luke →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | מְתוּשֶׁ֫לַח |
| Greek | Greek | Μαθουσάλα |
Methuselah
; Lu 3:37). Methuselah is said to have lived 969 years; he is therefore the oldest of the patriarchs and the oldest man. It is doubtful whether these long years do not include the duration of a family or clan.
me-thu'-sha-el (methusha'el): A descendant of Cain, and father of Lamech in the Cainite genealogy (Ge 4:18). The meaning of the name is doubtful. Dillmann suggested "suppliant or