What Does Four Score Mean in the Bible? Discover Now!

Introduction

The phrase "four score" appears several times in the Bible, specifically in the King James Version. It is a term that is not commonly used in modern English, but it was once a way to express the number 80. In this article, we will explore the meaning of "four score" in the Bible and its significance.

What is the Meaning of "Four Score" in the Bible?

As mentioned earlier, "four score" means 80 in the Bible. It is used to describe the age of individuals, such as in Genesis 23:1 when it says, "And Sarah was an hundred and seven and twenty years old: these were the years of the life of Sarah." This means that Sarah was 127 years old when she died. Similarly, in Genesis 25:26, it says, "And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them." This means that Isaac was 60 years old when his sons, Jacob and Esau, were born.

Significance of "Four Score" in the Bible

The number 80 has some significance in the Bible. For example:

• Moses was 80 years old when he led the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 7:7).
• The Israelites were punished for 80 years by the Philistines (Judges 13:1).
• King Asa of Judah reigned for 41 years and then died at the age of 81 (2 Chronicles 16:13-14).
• The lifespan of a man is said to be "threescore years and ten" (Psalm 90:10), which means 70 years. However, some may live to be 80 or 90 years old.

Other Ways "Four Score" is Used in Literature

Aside from the Bible, "four score" has been used in other literary works. One of the most famous examples is Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, which begins with the phrase, "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." In this case, "four score and seven years ago" refers to 87 years, which is the amount of time that had passed since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Conclusion

"Four score" is a phrase that is not commonly used in modern English, but it has a significant meaning in the Bible. It means 80 and is used to describe the age of individuals. The number 80 has some significance in the Bible, such as being the age of Moses when he led the Israelites out of Egypt. "Four score" has also been used in other literary works, such as Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.