What does the Bible say about long life?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible presents long life as a gracious blessing from God, ordinarily connected with fearing him, walking in wisdom, and honoring his commands, yet never as a guarantee apart from his sovereign purpose. Deuteronomy 5:33 and Ephesians 6:1-4 link obedience, especially honoring parents, with well-being and length of days. Proverbs 3:2, 3:16, 9:11, 10:27, and 16:31 commend wisdom, righteousness, and reverent fear of the Lord as paths that generally promote life. Psalm 91:16 celebrates God's power to satisfy his faithful servant with long life, while Exodus 23:25-26 shows his covenant care. Believers ultimately seek not merely many years, but eternal life in Christ.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Psalms 91:16

    I will satisfy him with long life, And show him my salvation."

  • Deuteronomy 5:33

    You shall walk in all the way which Yahweh your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.

  • Proverbs 16:31

    Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.

  • Proverbs 10:27

    The fear of Yahweh prolongs days, But the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

  • 1 Peter 3:10

    For, "He who would love life, And see good days, Let him keep his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.

  • Proverbs 3:16

    Length of days is in her right hand. In her left hand are riches and honor.

  • Proverbs 3:2

    For length of days, and years of life, And peace, will they add to you.

  • Ephesians 6:1-4

    [1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise: [3] "that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth." [4] You fathers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

  • Proverbs 9:11

    For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased.

  • Exodus 23:25-26

    [25] You shall serve Yahweh your God, and he will bless your bread and your water, and I will take sickness away from your midst. [26] No one will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will fulfill the number of your days.

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