Quotes about Time

Forty is a go-to number symbolizing a complete or "right" period of time, and "480" is twelve times forty—twelve likely symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. The number is symbolic. It draws on ancient conventions of the symbolic value of round numbers to mark off a sacred moment.

How do biblical writers talk about the past?

We are all culturally embedded creatures—we can never untangle ourselves from our here and now. We perceive God, think about God, and talk about God in ways that make sense to us by virtue of when and where we live.

And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.

And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.

And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day.

So in the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruit of the soil as an offering to the LORD,

And after he had become the father of Enosh, Seth lived 807 years and had other sons and daughters.

And after he had become the father of Mahalalel, Kenan lived 840 years and had other sons and daughters.

So Kenan lived a total of 910 years, and then he died.

And after he had become the father of Jared, Mahalalel lived 830 years and had other sons and daughters.

So Mahalalel lived a total of 895 years, and then he died.