How Old Was Noah When the Flood Began?

The Bible gives a precise age for Noah at the time of the Flood, making this one of the most clearly stated chronological facts in the Genesis narrative. According to Scripture, Noah was 600 years old when the waters of the Flood covered the earth.

This article explains the biblical evidence, the context surrounding Noah’s age, why his age matters, and what it reveals about God’s plan and Noah’s faith.

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1. The Biblical Statement About Noah’s Age

The key verse is found in:

Genesis 7:6

“And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth.”

This verse directly answers the question:
Noah was 600 years old when the Flood began.

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A. Confirmation in Another Passage

The Bible repeats this detail to emphasize accuracy:

Genesis 7:11

“In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month… were all the fountains of the great deep broken up.”

This second reference provides:

• Noah’s exact year (600th year)

• The month (2nd month)

• The day (17th day)

This level of detail highlights the event’s importance and historical reality.

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2. Noah’s Age in the Broader Timeline

Understanding Noah’s age at the Flood helps place other events in context.

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A. Noah at 500 Years Old

Genesis 5:32

“And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth.”

At age 500, Noah’s three sons were born.

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B. Time Between the Sons’ Birth and the Flood

The Flood came when Noah was 600, giving us a 100-year window during which:

• His sons grew into adulthood

• The ark was built

• Noah preached righteousness

• God delayed judgment to show mercy

This 100-year span is central to understanding the story’s timeline.

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3. Why Noah’s Age Matters in the Narrative

The mention of Noah’s age is not just a historical detail—it is significant for several reasons.

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A. It Emphasizes Noah’s Faith

Building an ark for decades, long before any raindrop fell, required extraordinary faith.
According to Hebrews 11:7:

“By faith Noah… prepared an ark… moved with fear.”

At 600 years old, when most would consider life complete, Noah was still obeying God in a mighty task.

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B. It Demonstrates God’s Patience

God warned humanity long before the floodwaters came.

Some scholars connect the verse:

Genesis 6:3

“Yet his days shall be a hundred and twenty years.”

…with the idea that God gave the world 120 years to repent before judgment.

Whether the building time was exactly 120 years or somewhat less, Noah lived through a long period of preaching, warning, and waiting.

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C. It Links Noah’s Lifespan to Post-Flood Decline

Before the Flood, lifespans were often over 900 years. After the Flood, human lifespans gradually declined. Noah, being 600 at the Flood and 950 at his death, represents:

• The last era of extremely long lives

• A transition from pre-Flood conditions to a renewed but changed world

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4. Noah’s Age After the Flood

The Bible also notes Noah’s age after the waters receded:

Genesis 9:28–29

“And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years. And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years.”

So:

• 300–350 years after the Flood

• 950 total lifespan

Noah lived long enough to witness generations of his descendants repopulate the earth.

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5. Summary of Noah’s Timeline

Key Fact:
👉 Noah was 600 years old when the Flood began.

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Conclusion

The Bible clearly teaches that Noah was 600 years old when the Flood began. This detail is given twice in Genesis to emphasize its importance. It also forms a key part of the biblical timeline, showing:

• The patience of God

• The faithfulness of Noah

• The transition from the ancient pre-Flood world to a renewed earth

Noah’s long life, his preparation, and his faithfulness during this period continue to inspire believers today.

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