The answer is: 600

Gen 7:6 - He had been around for quite sometime before the flood waters came!

When we think about Noah being 600 years old during the flood, it’s easy to be awestruck. Here’s a man who has lived through centuries from his birth until those legendary rains started. Imagine the wealth of experience and knowledge he must have accumulated! The biblical narrative emphasizes Noah not just as an aged figure but as a symbol of faithfulness and resilience.

What is fascinating to reflect on is that this story occurs in a much earlier period of human history, suggesting that these antediluvian (pre-flood) societies had long, complete histories – much longer than what we observe today. For instance, the lifespans recorded before him (like Methuselah, said to be the oldest person at 969 years!) give us a peek at a world that feels immensely long-gone.

In countless cultures, flood stories present a familiar motif – think of the Epic of Gilgamesh, which also includes a flood survivor who builds a boat to save his family and various creatures. This highlights a shared human experience across cultures: using narrative as a lens through which we face nature’s overwhelming power.

By picturing Noah carrying not just his family aboard the ark but also the collective hope for a fresh start, we can appreciate how ancient bubbles of community, love, and stewardship are as timeless as the story itself. Noah's age represents wisdom gained through living—and a hopeful reminder of beginnings that follow calamities, inviting reflection on our own journeys through adversity.