Overview
The Bible addresses longevity across 13 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in 1 Kings, Psalms and Proverbs. Closely related themes include Dreams, Solomon, Quotations and Allusions and Peace. Figures whose stories touch this theme include David and Anna.
Key Bible verses about longevity
Old Testament
1 Kings
And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; long life: Heb. many days discern: Heb. hear
Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. shall: or, hath not been
And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.
Psalms
New Testament
Luke
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
People in the Bible and longevity
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying longevity for yourself
- Begin with 1 Kings 3:11, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how 1 Kings, Psalms and Proverbs each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of David and Anna and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Dreams, Solomon, Quotations and Allusions and Peace.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about longevity?
The Bible addresses longevity across 13 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in 1 Kings, Psalms and Proverbs. Closely related themes include Dreams, Solomon, Quotations and Allusions and Peace. Figures whose stories touch this theme include David and Anna.
How many Bible verses are about longevity?
The Bible references longevity in 13 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention longevity?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is 1 Kings 3:11: “And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; long life: Heb. many days discern: Heb. hear”
Which people in the Bible are associated with longevity?
David and Anna.
Preach & teach
Outline a sermon or build a study series on longevity.
Preach a series on Longevity →