Short Answer
Overview
In biblical language the expression “three score and ten” means seventy years. The phrase occurs most famously in Psalm 90:10, where it describes the typical span of a human life. Because a “score” equals twenty, three scores (3 × 20) plus ten yields 70.
History / Background
The idiom reflects ancient Near Eastern numerology, where numbers often carried symbolic weight. The Hebrew word “מְאָה” (ma‘ah) for “score” is used in the Masoretic Text to denote a set of twenty. The Psalm, traditionally attributed to Moses, dates to the pre‑exilic period and uses the figure to contrast the brevity of human existence with divine eternity. Later biblical passages, such as the genealogical calculations in the Book of Genesis, also treat 70 as a symbolic age limit for patriarchs.
Importance and Impact
Understanding “three score and ten” aids biblical translation, exegesis, and theological discussion about the human condition, divine judgment, and the concept of a divinely ordained lifespan. The number 70 has been linked to the seventy nations of the Table of Nations, the seventy elders of Israel, and the seventy‑year Babylonian exile, reinforcing its symbolic resonance throughout Judeo‑Christian thought.
Why It Matters
Modern readers encounter the phrase in literature, sermons, and popular culture. Recognizing its literal meaning prevents misinterpretation and enriches appreciation of biblical metaphors concerning aging, mortality, and God’s providence.
Common Misconceptions
“Three score and ten” is a poetic way of saying “a long time.”
The phrase specifies a precise number—seventy years—based on the ancient counting system.
The number 70 always represents a literal age limit for all biblical figures.
While 70 is used symbolically in several contexts, not every individual in the Bible is said to live exactly seventy years; the figure often conveys completeness or divine order.
FAQ
Why does the Bible use the phrase ‘three score and ten’ instead of simply ‘seventy’?
Ancient Hebrew often employed idiomatic numeric expressions. Using “score” (twenty) allowed for rhythmic and poetic phrasing, especially in Hebrew poetry such as the Psalms.
Is ‘three score and ten’ meant to be a literal lifespan for all people?
The phrase conveys a typical or ideal lifespan rather than a strict rule. While many biblical figures are said to live around seventy years, the number also functions symbolically to denote completeness.
Does the number 70 have other theological significance?
Yes. In the Bible, 70 appears in contexts such as the 70 nations descended from Noah, the 70 elders of Israel (Numbers 11), and the 70‑year Babylonian exile, all suggesting a sense of wholeness or divine planning.
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