Life expectancy is something many people think about as they age. But what does the Bible say about the length of our days? While it may not give a specific number, Scripture provides wisdom on how to live a life that is full of purpose, meaning, and devotion to God.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Stay At Home Moms
What Does The Bible Say About Life Expectancy
Genesis 25:8
“Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people.”
This verse illustrates the concept of a long and fulfilling life that Abraham experienced. It emphasizes that he lived to a good old age, indicating that God blessed him with a long life.
Abraham’s story serves as an encouragement to trust in God’s faithfulness and to live a life that is pleasing to Him so that we may also experience a long and satisfying life.
Proverbs 3:2
“for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.”
The book of Proverbs provides wisdom for a blessed life, and this verse specifically highlights the benefits of following and applying this wisdom. It suggests that by adhering to God’s teachings and principles, we can expect an increase in our life expectancy.
Living in godly wisdom not only enriches our physical health but also brings peace and prosperity to our lives.
Psalm 90:10
“Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.”
This verse reflects the sobering reality of the brevity and hardships of life. While the average life expectancy may be around seventy to eighty years, these years are often filled with trouble and sorrow.
This verse encourages us to recognize the transient nature of life and underscores the importance of finding hope and purpose beyond our earthly existence.
Proverbs 4:10
“Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.”
In this verse, a father imparts wisdom to his son, promising him that by listening and following his guidance, he will have a long and fulfilling life.
This verse highlights the significance of heeding wise counsel and striving to live in alignment with God’s principles, as it can lead to a prolonged and prosperous life.
Matthew 6:27
“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
Jesus’ teachings emphasized the futility of worry, particularly when it comes to matters of life and longevity.
This verse encourages us to trust in God’s providence and sovereignty over our lives instead of expending our energy on anxiety. It reminds us that worrying does not contribute to the length of our lives, but rather distracts us from living fully in the present.
Psalm 139:16
“Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
This verse emphasizes God’s intimate knowledge and involvement in every aspect of our lives, including the number of days we will live.
It reminds us that our life expectancy is not solely determined by external factors but is ultimately in God’s hands. Therefore, we can find comfort and confidence in knowing that our days are divinely ordained.
Proverbs 9:11
“For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.”
The book of Proverbs consistently highlights the connection between wisdom and a long, fulfilling life.
This verse underscores the value of acquiring wisdom and making wise choices, as it can lead to an extension of our days and the addition of years to our lifespan.
John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”
In this verse, Jesus contrasts the destructive intentions of the thief (representing Satan) with His purpose to bring abundant and fulfilling life to His followers.
It reminds us that true life, both in terms of quality and quantity, is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. His offer of abundant life extends beyond our earthly existence and encompasses the eternal realm.
Proverbs 10:27
“The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.”
Here, the book of Proverbs once again highlights the correlation between fearing the Lord and experiencing a longer life.
This verse suggests that honoring and revering God, being obedient to His commandments, and living righteous lives contribute to a lengthening of our days. Conversely, a life characterized by wickedness is often shortened.
Psalm 91:16
“With long life, I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
In this verse, God promises both long life and His salvation to those who seek refuge in Him.
It reveals the heart of God towards His people, assuring us that if we embrace Him as our protector and place our trust in Him, He will grant us a lengthy existence and the ultimate gift of salvation.
Luke 20:38
“He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”
Jesus’ response to the Sadducees, who questioned the concept of resurrection, affirms God’s authority over life and death.
This verse reminds us that physical death is not the end but merely a transition into an eternal existence. It offers hope and assurance that in God, our lives extend far beyond the limitations of our mortal bodies.
1 Timothy 4:8
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
This verse draws a distinction between the temporary benefits of physical exercise and the eternal significance of cultivating a godly lifestyle.
While physical health and fitness are important, they pale in comparison to the value of spiritual growth, which has implications for both our present lives and our eternity.
Psalm 103:15-16
“The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.”
This poetic depiction of human transience serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life on earth.
It urges us to recognize the brevity of our existence and to place our focus on eternal matters, rather than being consumed by the transient pursuits of this world.
Ephesians 6:2-3
“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Here, the apostle Paul reaffirms the importance of honoring parents, referring back to one of the Ten Commandments.
This verse not only emphasizes the significance of honoring our parents but also suggests that doing so contributes to a prosperous and lengthy life on earth.
Psalm 91:14-16
“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life, I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
This passage reveals the divine promise of protection, deliverance, and long life for those who love and acknowledge the Lord.
It emphasizes that God is intimately involved in the lives of His people and pledges to satisfy them with a lengthy existence, while also revealing the ultimate salvation found in Him.
Proverbs 16:31
“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.”
This proverb honors the elderly and portrays gray hair as a symbol of wisdom and righteousness.
It suggests that a life lived in alignment with God’s ways leads to the honor and respect that comes with old age. This verse challenges societal views on aging and encourages a perspective that values the wisdom and experience of the elderly.
Psalm 34:12-14
“Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This psalm offers practical guidance for those who desire a long and fulfilling life.
By refraining from evil speech, lying, and pursuing peace, we are encouraged to cultivate a lifestyle that brings about blessings and longevity. It emphasizes the importance of our words and actions in shaping the trajectory of our lives.
Proverbs 12:28
“In the way of righteousness, there is life; along that path is immortality.”
This verse underscores the connection between righteousness and eternal life, suggesting that a life lived in accordance with God’s standards leads to immortality and everlasting existence.
It invites us to consider the eternal perspective and prioritize the pursuit of righteousness, knowing that it has profound implications for our future beyond this earthly life.
Ecclesiastes 7:17
“Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool—why die before your time?”
The wisdom literature of Ecclesiastes offers insights into various aspects of life, and here the author warns against excessive wickedness and foolishness that can lead to premature death.
This verse reminds us of the importance of making wise choices and avoiding destructive behaviors so that we may live our lives to their fullest potential.
Proverbs 14:27
“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.”
This verse extols the virtues of the fear of the Lord, recognizing it as a wellspring of life that protects us from the traps and dangers associated with spiritual death.
By cultivating a reverent attitude towards God and prioritizing our relationship with Him, we can experience His guidance and deliverance, leading to a longer and purpose-filled life.
Psalm 21:4
“He asked you for life, and you gave it to him—length of days, for ever and ever.”
David’s psalm expresses gratitude towards God for hearing his request for life and granting it to him, promising an eternal existence.
This verse highlights the power of prayer and the generosity of God, who is willing to extend our time on earth and bless us with the gift of eternal life.
John 11:25-26
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’”
Jesus’ conversation with Martha, following the death of Lazarus, centers around the profound truth that He is the source of resurrection and eternal life.
This verse encourages us to place our faith in Jesus Christ, who offers us the assurance of life beyond the grave, culminating in a glorious eternity with Him.
2 Timothy 1:10
“But it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
This verse highlights the redemptive work of Jesus, who defeated death through His resurrection and made the promise of eternal life available to all who believe.
It emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel and offers hope that, through faith in Christ, we can experience a life that extends well beyond the constraints of our mortal bodies.