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Methuselah

Methuselah is a biblical patriarch in the Hebrew Bible, also referenced in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Methuselah is a biblical patriarch in the Hebrew Bible, also referenced in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In the Book of Genesis, he is described as the son of Enoch, the father of Lamech, and the grandfather of Noah. He is noted for living 969 years, the longest lifespan recorded in the Bible.

Biblical account

Methuselah appears in Genesis 5:21–27 as part of the genealogy from Adam to Noah. The text describes him as the son of Enoch, the father of Lamech, and the grandfather of Noah, and states that he lived 969 years.

Name and meaning

Reference works commonly explain the name Methuselah as meaning something like “man of the javelin” or “man of the dart,” though other interpretations exist.

Later tradition

In later religious and cultural usage, Methuselah became a symbol of exceptional longevity. His name is often used figuratively to describe someone or something very old. Methuselah is part of the biblical tradition studied in Canadian Jewish, Christian, and academic contexts, and his name is widely used in English as a metaphor for extreme old age.

Key facts

  • Methuselah appears in Genesis 5:21–27 as part of the genealogy from Adam to Noah.
  • He is described as the son of Enoch, the father of Lamech, and the grandfather of Noah.
  • Genesis states that he lived 969 years, making him the longest-lived human in biblical tradition.
  • The name Methuselah is commonly associated with very old age and longevity in later usage.
  • He is referenced in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions as a biblical patriarch.
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Canadian context

Methuselah is part of the biblical tradition studied in Canadian Jewish, Christian, and academic contexts, and his name is widely used in English as a metaphor for extreme old age.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Methuselah in the Bible?
Methuselah was a biblical patriarch in Genesis, described as the son of Enoch, the father of Lamech, and the grandfather of Noah.
How long did Methuselah live?
Genesis says Methuselah lived 969 years.
Why is Methuselah famous?
He is famous for having the longest lifespan recorded in the Bible and for his place in the genealogy leading to Noah.
What does the name Methuselah mean?
Reference works commonly give meanings such as “man of the javelin” or “man of the dart,” though interpretations vary.
Is Methuselah mentioned outside Genesis?
Yes. He is also mentioned in 1 Chronicles and in Luke’s genealogy in the New Testament.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methuselah
    Supports: Basic identification, genealogy, biblical references, and lifespan of 969 years
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Methuselah
    Supports: Methuselah as a Hebrew Bible patriarch and his recorded lifespan of 969 years
  3. Chabad.org — https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4444492/jewish/The-Story-of-Methuselah-in-the-Bible.htm
    Supports: Methuselah as the son of Enoch and his 969-year lifespan
  4. Bible Hub Encyclopedia — https://biblehub.com/encyclopedia/m/methuselah.htm
    Supports: Name meaning, genealogy, biblical references, and lifespan
  5. New World Encyclopedia — https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Methuselah
    Supports: Alternative name meanings and cultural usage as a synonym for great age