Does the Bible give a human age limit?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Misinterpreting Genesis 6:3 can easily lead to the belief that the Bible has errors. It is possible that Genesis 6:3 is a general truism, meaning mankind would eventually get to the point where 120 years of age is a cut-off for the vast majority of us. But it's more likely that it was a countdown for the wicked of the earth who would be destroyed by the Flood. Although early generations lived much longer, lifespans eventually decreased, with Moses living to 120 years being a notable exception. Psalm 90:10, which suggests a typical lifespan of 70 to 80 years, uses poetic language to express the frailty of human life, rather than a strict age limit. The New Testament emphasizes the brevity of life, urging believers to live with purpose and an eternal perspective. Recognizing life's shortness motivates us to prioritize what truly matters, align our actions with God's will, and focus on what has lasting significance.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• In Genesis 6:3, God says, "My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years." Is God saying mankind will never live past 120? Considering Noah was 600 at the time of the Flood and lived another 350 years, this interpretation is problematic. The next several generations saw men live to the ages of 500, 403, and 207. Moses lived to 120, and since then, very few have lived longer. But Moses was born several hundred years after this promise, seeming to create a contradiction.
• We must understand the context of this verse. This was before the Flood, when people's ages regularly reached into the 900s. The people were evil (hence God's reluctance to "abide in" them or "contend" with them). They were so evil, God decided to wipe the slate clean, so to speak, and restart the human race. It is more likely that Genesis 6:3 gave a countdown to the arrival of the Flood.
• In Genesis 5:32, Noah's age is given to be 500. He was 600 when the Flood came, leaving a span of only 100 years, not 120. But Genesis 5:32 is the last verse in a line of genealogies, giving men's ages at the birth of their sons and their deaths. It doesn't have anything to do with the timing of the Flood. Genesis 6 is a return to the narrative, which doesn't necessarily directly follow chapter 5. So, the text takes a break from the story to give the genealogy from Adam to Noah (common in the Bible), and then goes back to the story. Meaning that from Genesis 6:3, God would only allow 120 years before He destroyed the evil people. He then waited until after Noah's sons were born before commissioning Noah to build the ark.
• Another passage that seems to indicate a human age limit is Psalm 90:10, written by Moses: "The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty…" The verse seems to say that humans can only live to 70 or 80—a strange sentiment from someone who lived to 120. But the Psalms are meant to express spiritual truths, not necessarily scientific facts. This psalm is about the fragility of human life in the face of God's anger over our sin. The second half of the verse says: "yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away." While some lives are characterized by constant "toil and trouble," this is not a universal human experience. And the image of the dead flying away, while metaphorical, isn't exactly literal. Like in modern poetry, Moses is using metaphors to express truths, not facts.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The New Testament does not specifically set a numerical age limit for humans. However, it does address the concept of human mortality and the finite nature of life (Hebrews 9:27; James 4:14). These verses emphasize the temporary nature of human life and the certainty of death, encouraging believers to live with an eternal perspective.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Although the Bible doesn’t give us a human age limit, recognizing the brevity of life calls us to live with intentionality and purpose. The understanding that our days are limited should challenge us to prioritize what truly matters: our relationships, our character, and our spiritual journey. In a world that often values temporary success and material gain, embracing the reality of life’s fleeting nature encourages us to focus on what has eternal significance. This perspective motivates us to seek a deeper connection with God, to love others genuinely, and to use our time wisely, knowing that each moment is an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love and make a lasting impact. Life is short, and living it well means aligning our actions with God’s will, making the most of our time on earth to glorify Him and make Him known, and investing in what endures beyond this life.

UNDERSTAND

• Genesis 6:3 is often misunderstood. It's more likely referring to a countdown to the Flood, rather than a general age limit for humanity.
• The lifespan in Psalm 90:10 is symbolic, using poetic language to express the fragility of human life, not a strict age limit.
• The New Testament emphasizes life's brevity, encouraging believers to live purposefully, knowing that life is temporary, and death is certain.

REFLECT

• How does understanding the brevity of life influence the way you prioritize your daily life and overall values?
• How can recognizing that life is short help you focus more on relationships and spiritual growth, rather than on temporary achievements and pleasures?
• How can the concept of living intentionally, knowing that life is temporary, impact your approach to overcoming challenges and making decisions?

ENGAGE

• How do the different biblical passages about human lifespan (Genesis 6:3; Psalm 90:10; New Testament references) shape our understanding of how to live purposefully?
• What are some practical ways we can apply the biblical perspective on life's brevity to our everyday lives and interactions with others?
• How can acknowledging the fleeting nature of life motivate us to make a positive impact on our communities and relationships?