The age of the Earth is estimated by scientists to be about 4.54 billion years, based on evidence from radiometric age dating of meteorite material and the oldest rocks on Earth. However, interpretations of the age of the Earth can vary based on different religious texts, including the Bible.
In biblical chronology, some individuals calculate the age of the Earth by adding up the genealogies and timelines presented in the Bible, particularly from the Book of Genesis. A common calculation by some biblical chronologists, such as Ussher in the 17th century, suggests that the Earth was created around 4004 B.C. This would imply an age of approximately 6,000 years.
Biblical references that are often cited in these calculations include:
1. **Genesis 1:1** – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
2. **Genesis 5 and 11** – These chapters provide genealogies from Adam to Noah and from Noah to Abraham, which some chronologists use to estimate the time spans involved.
3. **Genesis 12:4** – Indicates the age of Abraham when he entered Canaan, often used to link timelines.
These references form the basis for those who calculate the Earth’s age through a biblical lens, resulting in a significantly younger estimate compared to the scientific consensus.