How Old Is the Earth According to the Bible — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
Supporting Passages
"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."
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