Antediluvians
Summary
The people who lived before Noah's Flood, characterized by long lifespans, increasing wickedness, and ultimate destruction except for Noah's family.
☩Longevity and Genealogy
The antediluvian patriarchs recorded in Genesis 5 lived remarkably long lives. Adam lived 930 years, Seth 912, Methuselah holds the record at 969 years. These genealogies trace the godly line from Adam through Seth to Noah. The ungodly line of Cain developed separately, advancing in technology and arts but also in violence.
☩Corruption and Judgment
As the population increased, wickedness multiplied. The 'sons of God' took wives from the 'daughters of men,' and violence filled the earth. God declared that His Spirit would not strive with man forever, limiting human lifespan. Seeing that every imagination of man's heart was only evil continually, God determined to destroy humanity with a flood, sparing only righteous Noah and his family.
☩Warning Example
The New Testament references the antediluvians as a warning. Jesus compared the days of Noah—eating, drinking, marrying, unaware of coming judgment—to the days before His return. Peter noted that the ancient world perished in water, and warns of future judgment by fire. Noah is presented as a 'preacher of righteousness' whose message went unheeded.
Related Verses13 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Antediluvians," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Antediluvians," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).