Methuselah is a biblical name often used to refer to someone who has lived for an exceptionally long time. The word is pronounced /mɛˈθjuːzələ/ with the stress on the second syllable. The 'th' in the first syllable is pronounced with a voiceless dental fricative sound /θ/, while the 'u' in the second syllable is pronounced with a long /uː/ sound. The spelling of this word is often mistaken due to its ancient origins and biblical connections, but its pronunciation remains consistent with its phonetic transcription.
Methuselah is a masculine biblical name that refers to a prominent character mentioned in the Book of Genesis. According to the Bible, Methuselah was the son of Enoch and the grandfather of Noah. He is mostly known for being the longest-lived human being on record, as he reportedly lived for 969 years. Due to his extraordinary lifespan, the name "Methuselah" has become synonymous with extreme longevity or old age.
In a broader context, "Methuselah" is often used as a metaphor to describe someone who is very old, especially in relation to their knowledge, experience, or ideas. The term can imply a person's wisdom, deep-rooted knowledge, and extensive life experience that spans over countless generations. It can also denote someone who has witnessed or experienced numerous historical events, making them a valuable source of information.
Furthermore, "Methuselah" can also be used figuratively to describe an object, institution, or idea that has been in existence for an exceptionally long time without undergoing significant changes or modifications. This can suggest a sense of durability, resilience, and timelessness associated with an entity or concept.
Overall, "Methuselah" encompasses the notions of longevity, wisdom, vast life experience, and enduring qualities, making it a multifaceted term that can be applied to both individuals and inanimate entities.
The word "Methuselah" has its origin in Hebrew. It is derived from the name of a character from the Bible, known as Methuselah, who was mentioned in the book of Genesis. Methuselah is known for being the longest-lived person mentioned in the Bible, having reportedly lived for 969 years.