How Old Is Adam And Eve (How Long Ago Did Adam And Eve Live)?

Sunday school lessons are always interesting, and my last class was no exception. I had my 6-year-olds draw images of Adam and Eve and finish a simple quiz on them. Most of them could answer questions like who Adam and Eve were, who created Adam and Eve, and where they lived. However, there is one question they all got wrong; “How old is Adam and Eve?”

In this article, I look at what theologians, scholars, and Biblical interpreters have found regarding Adam and Eve’s age. Although this topic is shrouded in mystery, many clues from the Bible are relied on to give estimates and plausible answers. I will cover all of them. You will enjoy this read.

How Long Ago Was Adam And Eve Created?

According to Biblical genealogy studies, it is estimated that Adam and Eve were created between 55,000 to 120,000 years ago. There is also the possibility that they were created 230,000 years ago. Archbishop James Ussher and John Lightfoot did extensive studies on the genealogies from Bible books like Genesis, Exodus, Kings, and Chronicles. Their findings determined that Adam was likely created in 4004 B.C. To be precise, they estimate God formed him on October 23 at 9 a.m.

These scholars also looked at other Biblical clues that could assist them in determining the exact period. For example, Genesis 2 describes four rivers that met in the Garden of Eden. The only time rivers could run on dry land in the Persian Gulf (where the Garden of Eden is believed to have been located) is during the Ice Age. The two known Ice Ages were 120,000-13,000 years ago and 135,000-230,000 years ago.

How Old Were Adam And Eve When God Cursed Them?

No Biblical Scripture tells us Adam and Eve’s age when God cursed them, but many archeologists and theologians speculate that they may have been 25 to 35 years. This speculation arises from many Biblical facts. For instance, Jesus did his ministry and died in his prime years (early thirties). The Bible in 1 Corinthians 15:45 refers to Him as the Second Adam, so Adam and Jesus may have been agemates. Additionally, chronological events from the Bible indicate that Adam and Eve were of child-bearing age when they were exiled from the Garden of Eden. That age is around 20-35 years old.

How Old Would Adam And Eve Be Today?

Many believe if Adam and Eve were still alive, they would be around 6,000 years old. James Ussher calculated the planet’s possible birthdate and placed it at 4004 B.C. Other scholars and philosophers, such as Issac Newton, had similar findings. Since Adam was created around the same time God made the Earth, it is speculated that he was also created in 4004 B.C. That would make him 6,027 years old today. Eve is believed to be around the same age as Adam, so she is also approximately 6,027 years.

How Old Were Adam And Eve When They Died?

Adam was 930 years old when he died, but Eve’s age of death is unknown. Genesis 5:5 tells us that Adam was 930 years old at his death. Adam and his family, except for Enoch, enjoyed long life spans as they all lived to be over 900 years old. Several theories surround Adam’s long life. One is that God planned to kickstart civilization, so the first man and woman needed to live long to populate the Earth (Genesis 1:28). Another is that Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden with access to the Tree of Life before they were banished. The fruit from this tree may have extended their years.

How Old Were Adam And Eve When They First Sinned?

The age at which Adam and Eve sinned is not specified, but theologians propound that they were in their 20s or early 30s. They look at the circumstances around their rebellion as an indication of their possible ages. For instance, Eve’s naivety allowed her to be deceived and tricked by the serpent into sin. As well, Adam did not exhibit emotional maturity when God confronted him. He blamed his actions on God and his wife instead of taking accountability. Many think this is a sign that they were still young and could have been in their 20s.

How Old Were Adam And Eve When Cain And Abel Were Born?

There is no Biblical indication of Adam and Eve’s age when they had Cain and Abel. All scholars have been able to gather is that Adam had Seth, his third-born son, at the age of 130. This is explained in Genesis 5:3. If he had him at 130 years old, it is only logical to presume that Adam had his two elder children, Cain and Abel, before he turned 130 years old. As for Eve, the Bible is also mute on when she gave birth to Cain and Abel, but it is believed that she was about the same age as her husband.

How Old Was Adam When He Married Eve?

Adam’s age at which he married Eve is unknown, but there is a theory that he was in his prime years. Many think he was in his 20’s or early 30’s. One of the theories supporting this is that God might have had a preferred age of responsibility. In Numbers 14:28-31, God denied all the Israelites above 20 years old access to the Promised Land because they went against Him. He made them responsible and counted them as grown men. Similarly, Adam must have been a grown man because he was given responsibility over the Garden of Eden and all the animals. By the time he was getting married, he had gained more responsibility as the head of the household, so the assumption is that he was at least 20 years old.