Book of Genesis - Chapter 7 - Verse 6

According to the biblical narrative found in the book of Genesis, the verse 'And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth' marks a significant moment in the story of Noah and the Great Flood. The age of six hundred is often interpreted as symbolic in the Bible, representing completeness or perfection. In this context, Noah reaching the age of six hundred before the flood could be seen as a sign of his righteousness and God's favor towards him. It was at this point in his life that God chose Noah to build the ark and preserve life on earth through the impending catastrophe. The verse serves to emphasize the magnitude of the event that was about to take place, highlighting Noah's obedience and faithfulness amidst a wicked and corrupt world. By including this detail, the verse sets the stage for the unfolding of the dramatic events that follow in the story of Noah and the ark.

When examining the age of six hundred years attributed to Noah at the time of the Great Flood, theological interpretations often focus on the significance of this number. In the Bible, numbers are often symbolic and carry deeper meanings beyond their literal value. Some scholars suggest that Noah's six hundred years could represent completeness, as the number six is associated with creation and the completion of the work of God. In this context, Noah's age could signify a fullness of time or the culmination of a period of preparation before the flood. Additionally, the number six hundred could also symbolize wisdom, as age was traditionally associated with wisdom in ancient cultures. Therefore, Noah's advanced age could emphasize his role as a wise and righteous man chosen by God to build the ark and save humanity and the animal kingdom from destruction.