Father of Nations – That “fourscore” Guy

Abraham Lincoln used the term “fourscore” in the Gettysburg Address as a poetic and formal way to express a period of eighty years. “Score” was an old-fashioned word meaning twenty years, so “fourscore” refers to four times twenty, or eighty years. Lincoln adopted this phrasing to evoke a sense of history and gravity. The phrase “fourscore and seven years ago” in the Gettysburg Address refers to the 87 years since the Declaration of Independence in 1776, emphasizing the historical significance of the nation’s founding and the ongoing struggle for equality and unity.

Societal Use

In the 1860s, “fourscore” was an archaic term, not part of everyday language. Abraham Lincoln’s use of “four score and seven years ago” in the Gettysburg Address was a deliberate literary and oratorical choice rather than common parlance. The term “score,” meaning 20, has roots in the Middle Ages.  By the 1860s, “fourscore” had largely fallen out of use, with newspapers like The New York Times favoring direct numerals such as “eighty-seven.” Lincoln’s choice of this archaic language served to elevate his speech, framing the Civil War as a profound test of the nation’s foundational ideals rooted in a distant and revered past. The rhythmic, memorable phrasing of his opening line was strategically crafted to resonate deeply with his audience, providing a historical and moral weight that simple modern language could not evoke.

Biblical Currency

According to Abraham Lincoln National Park, Lincoln was named after his grandfather, Abraham Lincoln, a common tradition of honoring family elders. Born on February 12, 1809, his name carried more than just family history; it reflected the enlightenment ideals woven into America’s fabric from the framers to today. Interestingly, Lincoln’s famous use of “fourscore” in the Gettysburg Address hints at a deeper, perhaps more personal or symbolic meaning; possibly revealing a layer of narcissism or self-awareness in the 16th President’s speech.

Speaking of 16, let us take a look at Genesis 16:16:

“And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.”

In this verse from the King James Bible, the first appearance of the word “fourscore” coupled with a reference to Abram.  Looking at Genesis 17:5, Abram was renamed by God to Abraham:

“Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.”

Honest Abe

“Fourscore and seven years ago”, a phrase etched into history and taught in schools can be seen as Lincoln’s masterful use of biblical language to evoke timelessness, morality, and grandeur. But could it also be a calculated marker, a deliberate act to cement his own legacy in the speech much like his enlightenment namesake Abraham, perhaps even fueled by victory’s euphoria post-Civil War? Is Lincoln drawing from ancient scripture to legitimize his words, or is he subtly forging his place in history with a phrase that’s as personal as it is visionary? Perhaps it’s just a coincidence. Honest Abe remains unavailable for questions – Ya Heard.