How Old Was Noah When He Built the Ark (Biblical Evidence

By Paul King •  Updated: 10/19/23 •  11 min read

According to the Holy Bible, the Flood of the Great Deluge took place approximately 4,500 years ago. This momentous event holds great significance in biblical history, as it marks the survival of Noah and his family.

Now, let us delve into the question of how old Noah was when he built the ark, based on biblical evidence.

In Genesis 5:32, it is written, ‘And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth.’ This verse tells us that Noah was already five hundred years old when he became a father to his three sons. This suggests that Noah had reached a mature age by the time he began building the ark.

Furthermore, in Genesis 7:6, it states, ‘And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth.’ From this verse, we can deduce that Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters came upon the earth. This indicates that Noah had been diligently constructing the ark for a significant period of time leading up to this momentous event.

Now, let us consider the timeline of the flood. According to Genesis 7:11, ‘In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.’ This verse provides a specific timeframe for the commencement of the flood, which aligns with Noah’s age of six hundred years.

When we examine the context of ancient civilizations, we can gain further insights into Noah’s age. During this time, people were known to live much longer lives compared to the present day. In fact, in Genesis 9:29, it is stated, ‘And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years: and he died.’

In conclusion, based on biblical evidence and the timeline of the flood, we can ascertain that Noah was around five hundred years old when he began building the ark and six hundred years old when the floodwaters came upon the earth. This remarkable story of Noah’s obedience to God’s command to build the ark serves as a testament to his faith and dedication.

Key Takeaways

Noah’s Age in the Bible

According to the Bible, Noah was indeed 600 years old when he started building the ark. In Genesis 5:32, it states that Noah was the son of Lamech, who was 182 years old when Noah was born. Furthermore, Lamech himself was the son of Methuselah, who holds the record for the longest recorded lifespan in the Bible, living to be 969 years old.

This lineage gives us a clear understanding of the extraordinary ages that people lived to during those times. The Bible tells us that Noah was not only wise and righteous but also had great faith in God. It was this unwavering faith that compelled him to heed God’s command to construct the ark.

The story of Noah and the ark is a powerful testament to the strength of Noah’s character and his trust in the Lord. In the face of widespread disbelief and ridicule, Noah faithfully followed God’s instructions. He tirelessly worked to build the massive ark, gathering animals from every species and preparing for the impending flood.

The flood itself was a catastrophic event, wiping out all living creatures on the earth except for those saved on the ark. This event serves as a reminder of both God’s judgment and His mercy. While the flood was a result of humanity’s sinful ways, God provided a means of salvation through Noah and the ark.

Noah’s age at the time of building the ark is a significant detail in this story. It demonstrates the power of faith and obedience, as well as the enduring nature of God’s promises. Despite his advanced age, Noah remained steadfast, dedicating himself to the monumental task of constructing the ark and ensuring the preservation of humanity.

The story of Noah and the ark continues to inspire and provide an example for generations to come. It reminds us of the importance of trusting in God, even in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances. Noah’s unwavering faith and obedience serve as a beacon of hope, showing us that through our own faith and trust in the Lord, we too can overcome challenges and find salvation.

Noah’s Age According to Rabbinical Sources

According to biblical accounts, Noah lived to be 950 years old (Genesis 9:29). The Bible also states that Noah was 500 years old when he became the father of his three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth (Genesis 5:32). These ages provide some context for understanding the timeframe in which Noah constructed the ark.

In Genesis 6:14-16, God commands Noah to build an ark, providing him with specific instructions on its dimensions and construction. The Bible does not explicitly mention Noah’s age at the time of this command, but it does emphasize his obedience and diligence in carrying out God’s instructions.

To further illustrate the significance of Noah’s age and the ark’s construction, we can look to the story of the Great Flood. In Genesis 6-9, God sees the wickedness of mankind and decides to bring a flood to cleanse the earth. However, God chooses Noah to be righteous and commands him to build the ark to save himself, his family, and a pair of every kind of animal.

Noah’s obedience and faith in God’s instructions are evident throughout this story. He diligently constructs the ark according to God’s specifications, despite the ridicule and disbelief of others. Noah’s dedication to following God’s commands is a testament to his righteousness and trust in divine guidance.

The story of Noah and the ark is not only a tale of obedience, but it also serves as a reminder of God’s mercy and provision. After the flood subsides, God establishes a covenant with Noah, promising never to destroy the earth with a flood again. This covenant is symbolized by the rainbow (Genesis 9:12-16), a sign of God’s faithfulness and grace.

Biblical Evidence of Noah’s Age

The Bible presents a wealth of evidence regarding Noah’s age and his remarkable obedience to God. In the book of Genesis, it is recorded that God commanded Noah to construct an ark to save himself, his family, and the animals from the impending flood. Genesis 6:22 affirms, ‘Noah did everything just as God commanded him.’ This verse highlights Noah’s unwavering obedience and faithfulness to God’s divine guidance.

Moreover, the Bible explicitly states that Noah was 600 years old when the flood commenced. This detail, found in Genesis 7:6, emphasizes Noah’s advanced age and the extraordinary commitment he displayed in fulfilling his responsibilities. It is truly awe-inspiring to imagine the physical and mental strength required for Noah to undertake such a monumental task at an age that is considered elderly by today’s standards.

To further appreciate the magnitude of Noah’s obedience and dedication, we can delve into the story of the flood itself. The account of Noah and the ark is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible, showcasing the power of divine guidance and the importance of following God’s will. Noah faithfully carried out God’s instructions, diligently caring for the animals and ensuring their safety within the ark.

The story of the flood not only underscores Noah’s obedience but also highlights his courage. Imagine the immense faith it took for Noah to trust in God’s plan, especially when he faced ridicule and skepticism from those around him. Despite the challenges and hardships he encountered, Noah remained steadfast in his devotion to God and carried out his assigned task with unwavering faith.

Noah’s age serves as a testament to the remarkable care and dedication he exhibited towards both God’s will and the animals entrusted to his care. His commitment to the divine task at hand, coupled with his advanced age, demonstrates the depth of his faith and the extraordinary nature of his character.

In reflecting on Noah’s story, we are reminded of the importance of faith and obedience to God’s guidance. Noah’s example encourages us to trust in God’s plans, even when they may seem daunting or unconventional. It inspires us to remain faithful and steadfast, knowing that God’s guidance will lead us to safety and fulfillment.

Estimating Noah’s Age Based on the Timeline of the Flood

Using the timeline provided in the Bible, we can estimate Noah’s age at the time of the flood. According to the Creationist Viewpoints, the flood occurred approximately 2,350 years before Jesus was born, and Noah was 600 years old at that time. This age is significant, as it showcases Noah’s obedience and faithfulness to God.

In Genesis 5:32, it is mentioned that Noah became the father of his first son when he was 500 years old. This shows that Noah had already lived a long life before he received the command from God to build the ark. It is remarkable that at such an advanced age, Noah was still able to embark on this monumental task.

Genesis 7:6 tells us that Noah was 600 years old when the floodwaters came upon the earth. This age further emphasizes Noah’s obedience to God’s instructions. Despite any doubts or challenges he may have faced, Noah faithfully followed God’s command to build the ark and gather the animals.

After the flood, Noah lived for another 350 years, as stated in Genesis 9:29. This longevity is a testament to God’s faithfulness and blessings upon Noah. It is remarkable to think that Noah lived for so many years after witnessing such a catastrophic event.

Noah’s age is also significant in the context of Ancient Myths, where heroes are often depicted as old and wise. The Bible portrays Noah as an obedient servant of God, showcasing his wisdom and faith. This aligns with the narrative of redemption and faith in the face of adversity. Noah’s age serves as a reminder that age is no barrier to faith and that God can use anyone, regardless of their age, to fulfill His plans.

The story of Noah and the flood is not only a historical account but also carries deep spiritual meaning. It symbolizes God’s judgment on sin and His mercy in providing a means of salvation. Noah’s age adds depth to this narrative, highlighting the enduring power of hope and faith in the midst of overwhelming odds.

Interpreting Noah’s Age in Context of Ancient Civilizations

Noah’s age at the time of the Flood holds great significance within the biblical narrative, and comparing it to the ages of other characters in ancient civilizations sheds light on this importance. The wisdom and understanding that Noah possessed were evident in his ability to construct the ark and prepare for the intense flooding. His experience and faith enabled him to endure the storm that devastated the world.

In the book of Genesis, it is written that Noah was 600 years old when the Flood came upon the earth (Genesis 7:6). This age may seem extraordinary by today’s standards, but when we delve into the context of ancient civilizations, we gain a deeper understanding of its significance.

Ancient cultures valued wisdom and experience, and longevity was often associated with these qualities. In the Bible, we see that the lifespans of people before the Flood were much longer than those after it. Adam, the first man, lived for 930 years (Genesis 5:5), while Noah’s own grandfather, Methuselah, lived for a staggering 969 years (Genesis 5:27). This demonstrates that the people of that time had the potential for great wisdom and knowledge due to their extended lifespans.

Noah’s age of 600 years when the Flood came reveals that he had lived through a significant portion of human history. He had witnessed the decline of humanity’s moral state and the corruption that had spread throughout the earth. This background would have given Noah a unique perspective and understanding of the need for God’s judgment.

The construction of the ark itself required immense knowledge and skill. The dimensions and design of the ark, as given in the Bible, were precise and tailored to withstand the catastrophic floodwaters. This demonstrates Noah’s meticulous planning and his ability to follow God’s instructions with unwavering faith.

The duration of the flood is another aspect to consider when interpreting Noah’s age. According to the Bible, the floodwaters covered the earth for 40 days and 40 nights (Genesis 7:17-24). However, it took much longer for the waters to recede and for Noah and his family to leave the ark. They were inside the ark for a total of one year and ten days (Genesis 8:13-16).

Noah’s age of 600 years during this time highlights his endurance and faithfulness. Imagine spending an entire year confined to a vessel, surrounded by animals, enduring the storms and uncertainty. Noah’s steadfastness and trust in God’s promises are truly remarkable.

Paul King

I post written versions of my powerful sermons exploring topics like prayer, praise, biblical truths, and more expressions of faith. My church has a deeply spiritual culture, which I try to convey through vivid storytelling and applications in our everyday life. I spread the Good Word with lots of conviction and passion.