Book of Genesis - Chapter 9 - Verse 29
Meaning
According to the book of Genesis in the Bible, the verse 'And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years: and he died.' provides insight into the longevity of Noah's life. The significance of noting the specific age of Noah at the time of his death is to highlight his extraordinary lifespan compared to the average human lifespan. In biblical context, living for nearly a thousand years was considered a testament to Noah's righteousness and favor in the eyes of God. It emphasizes the importance of Noah's role in carrying out God's plan to build an ark and save humanity and animals from the Great Flood. By living for such an extended period, Noah was able to fulfill his mission and leave a lasting legacy of faithfulness and obedience to God's will. This verse serves as a reminder of the incredible lifespan of Noah and his impactful contributions to biblical history.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of the verse stating that Noah lived for nine hundred and fifty years before his death is that this extraordinary lifespan is a reflection of the favor and blessing of God upon Noah. In biblical times, long lifespans were often seen as a sign of divine favor, indicating a close relationship with God. As the one man chosen by God to build the ark and thereby save humanity and the animal kingdom from the flood, Noah's longevity may be interpreted as a symbol of his righteousness and obedience to God's will. The length of his life could represent the time and opportunity given to Noah to fulfill his divine mission on earth.
When considering the word studies related to this verse, the focus is often on the significance of the number nine hundred and fifty. In Hebrew numerology, numbers can carry symbolic meanings in addition to their literal value. The number nine often symbolizes divine completeness or finality, while the number five can represent God's grace or the concept of redemption. Therefore, the combination of nine hundred and fifty could be interpreted as emphasizing the completeness of Noah's life and God's grace extended to him throughout his nearly millennium-long existence.