How Old Is the Earth According to the Bible?
How Old Is the Earth According to the Bible? Christians hold different views — young earth creationists calculate roughly 6,000-10,000 years from biblical genealogies, while old earth creationists see the 'days' of Genesis as long ages.
Key verse: Genesis 1:1 (KJV)
Christians hold different views — young earth creationists calculate roughly 6,000-10,000 years from biblical genealogies, while old earth creationists see the 'days' of Genesis as long ages.
Christians hold different views — young earth creationists calculate roughly 6,000-10,000 years from biblical genealogies, while old earth creationists see the 'days' of Genesis as long ages.
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." — Genesis 1:1 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The Bible doesn't state a specific age for the earth. Young earth creationists add up the genealogies in Genesis 5 and 11, combined with subsequent biblical chronology, arriving at approximately 6,000-10,000 years. They interpret the six days of creation as literal 24-hour periods. Old earth creationists note that the Hebrew word 'yom' (day) can mean an indefinite period (as in 'the day of the Lord'), and they see the creation account as compatible with an ancient earth. Day-age theorists, gap theorists, and framework interpretation advocates each offer different readings of Genesis 1. All evangelical positions affirm that God is the Creator, Genesis is historically grounded, and humanity is specially created in God's image. The 'how old' question is secondary to the 'who created' question — and on that, the Bible is clear.
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Key Scripture References
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."
"For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night."
"But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is the Creation Story in Genesis?
Genesis 1-2 describes God creating the universe, earth, and all life in six days, resting on the seventh — establishing His sovereignty over all things.
Is the Bible True and Reliable?
Yes — the Bible's historical accuracy, fulfilled prophecy, internal consistency, and transformative power confirm its divine reliability.
Who Wrote the Bible?
The Bible was written by approximately 40 human authors over 1,500 years, but ultimately inspired by God through the Holy Spirit.
How Many Books Are in the Bible?
The Bible contains 66 books — 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
What Is the Oldest Book in the Bible?
Most scholars believe the Book of Job is the oldest book in the Bible, predating even Genesis in composition.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Genesis. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Genesis on day 11 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “How Old Is the Earth According to the Bible?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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