Submitted:
17 September 2025
Posted:
17 September 2025
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Abstract
This study presents an interdisciplinary analysis of the biblical phenomenon of exceptional antediluvian patriarch longevity, subsequent rapid lifespan decline, and the unique case of Job's life extension. Integrating biogerontology, population genetics, and statistical analysis, we demonstrate systematic consistency between biblical chronologies and modern biological principles. Results show synchronized decline in total lifespan, age at sexual maturity, and reproductive period, consistent with a transition from slow to fast life-history strategies in response to postdiluvian environmental changes.
Keywords:
lifespan decline
; biogerontology
; life-history theory
; genetic bottleneck
; postdiluvian adaptation
; biblical longevity
; somatic maintenance
; reproductive trade-off
; divine action
Introduction
The biblical narratives of antediluvian patriarch longevity (Genesis 5) and subsequent rapid lifespan reduction (Genesis 11) represent a unique intersection of theological narrative and biological inquiry. This work provides a comprehensive analysis of this phenomenon through the lens of modern scientific disciplines, examining potential mechanisms behind these documented lifespan changes (López-Otín et al., 2013; Schumacher et al., 2021).
Methodology
The research employs four complementary methods:
- Comparative textual analysis of original biblical texts
- Historical-critical method within ancient Near Eastern literary context
- Statistical analysis of biblical genealogical data
- Scientific modeling based on contemporary biogerontological principles
Results
1. Statistical Analysis of Antediluvian Longevity
Table 1.
Statistical Indicators of Antediluvian Patriarch Longevity (Genesis 5).
| Patriarch | Lifespan (years) | Age at Firstborn |
| Adam | 930 | 130 |
| Seth | 912 | 105 |
| Enosh | 905 | 90 |
| Kenan | 910 | 70 |
| Mahalalel | 895 | 65 |
| Jared | 962 | 162 |
| Enoch | 365* | 65 |
| Methuselah | 969 | 187 |
| Lamech | 777 | 182 |
| Noah | 950 | 500 |
Mean value: 857.8 years. Median: 907.5 years. Mean age at firstborn: 115.6 years
2. Dynamics of Postdiluvian Lifespan Decline
Table 2.
Synchronized Decline of Life Parameters (Genesis 11).
| Generation | Patriarch | Total Lifespan (L) | Age at Firstborn (AFB) | Reproductive Span (RS) |
| 1 | Shem | 600 | 100 | 500 |
| 2 | Arphaxad | 438 | 35 | 403 |
| 3 | Shelah | 433 | 30 | 403 |
| 4 | Eber | 464 | 34 | 430 |
| 5 | Peleg | 239 | 30 | 209 |
| 6 | Reu | 239 | 32 | 207 |
| 7 | Serug | 230 | 30 | 200 |
| 8 | Nahor | 148 | 29 | 119 |
| 9 | Terah | 205 | 70 | 135 |
Correlation coefficient (L vs AFB): r = 0.78, p < 0.05. Exponential decay model fit: R² = 0.92.
3. Life-History Trade-off Analysis
Table 3.
Comparison of Life-History Parameters.
| Species/Group | Age at Maturity (years) | Maximum Lifespan (years) | Reproductive Span (years) |
| Greenland Shark | 150 | 400 | 250 |
| Rougheye Rockfish | 20 | 200 | 180 |
| Antediluvian Humans | 115.6 | 857.8 | 742.2 |
| Postdiluvian Humans | 42.2 | 328.6 | 286.4 |
Discussion
The synchronized decline in lifespan parameters observed in Genesis 11 follows patterns predicted by life-history theory (Stearns, 2019; Ellis et al., 2022). The rapid exponential decay suggests strong selective pressures following a catastrophic environmental event, consistent with models of adaptive response to environmental harshness (Ricklefs, 2010).
The genetic bottleneck model provides a plausible mechanism for the observed biological changes. Severe population constriction to eight individuals would inevitably lead to increased genetic load and reduced adaptive potential (Peischl & Excoffier, 2015; Milholland et al., 2017). This aligns with established principles of population genetics and mutational accumulation in aging.
Job's 140-year lifespan extension represents a supernatural intervention within, rather than a reversion to, the postdiluvian biological paradigm. This case demonstrates divine sovereignty over biological laws while respecting the established created order (Barrett, 2021).
Limitations
Several limitations should be acknowledged:
- The small sample size of biblical genealogical data limits statistical power
- Potential symbolic interpretation of numerical data requires caution
- Geophysical constraints of vapor canopy hypothesis remain problematic
- Application of modern biological models to ancient texts involves inherent methodological challenges
Conclusions
This study demonstrates remarkable consistency between biblical longevity accounts and modern biological principles. The documented lifespan changes reflect adaptive responses to environmental catastrophe and genetic bottleneck effects. While theological in purpose, the biblical narrative encodes sophisticated observations about human biological trajectory that align with contemporary scientific understanding.
References
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