According to the first books of the Old Testament--namely the Pentateuch--the antediluvian and post-diluvian patriarchs lived for hundreds of years having sons and daughters until the end of their exceptionally long lives. These unbelievable statements can be explained only if the particular character of the biblical chronologies is considered. The continence of David and the behavior of Solomon and of some of the 'judges of the people' pose very interesting historical, cultural and gerontological problems.