How Old Was Moses When He Died — In Biblical Context
Moses died at 120 years old on Mount Nebo, with his eyes undimmed and his strength unabated, just before Israel entered the Promised Land.
Moses died at 120 years old on Mount Nebo, with his eyes undimmed and his strength unabated, just before Israel entered the Promised Land.
"And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated." — Deuteronomy 34:7 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Deuteronomy 34 records that Moses was 120 years old at his death — and remarkably, his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. His life divided into three forty-year periods: forty years as a prince in Egypt, forty years as a shepherd in Midian, and forty years leading Israel in the wilderness. God Himself buried Moses in a valley in the land of Moab, and no man knows the place of his sepulchre to this day. Although he was not permitted to enter Canaan because of his sin at Meribah, God allowed him to view the land from the top of Pisgah. Centuries later, Moses appeared with Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration, conversing with the glorified Christ — a fitting honor for the great mediator of the old covenant.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Deuteronomy 34:7, sits inside Deuteronomy 34. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated."
Supporting Passages
"So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day."
"And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him."
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