“The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (Ps 90,10)
The Age in the Bible – Blessing or Curse?
Ulrich Fistill
Philosophisch-Theologischen Hochschule Brixen, SüdtirolAbstract
Since the Bible is not a systematical work, it is not easy to answer the question of how ageing is viewed by biblical texts unambiguously. One of the reasons is the perception of ageing in biblical times. Generally old people were appreciated for their life experience and wisdom; they should be respected accordingly. Old age was also seen as a reward for a godly life. This also explains why particularly important figures in the history of salvation and models of faith were “awarded” with old age. However, the Bible also knows the grievances and the burdens of old age, so that old people are dependent on the help of others. Nevertheless, the Bible never views ageing as a “curse”. Rather, the Bible seems to put more emphasis on those exemplary and, in this sense, (probably idealized) cases in which age is accentuated as the grace of God.
Keywords:
Bible age old people growing old life experience wisdomReferences
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Authors
Ulrich FistillDr., Professor für Altes Testament an der Philosophisch-Theologischen Hochschule Brixen, Südtirol, Diözesanpriester.
