Others , such as Allen C. Guelzo , suggested that Lincoln 's expression `` four score and seven '' was about the King James Version of the Bible 's . There , man 's life is described as `` threescore years and ten ; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years '' . Others , including Allen C. Guelzo , the director of Civil War Era studies at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania , suggested that Lincoln 's formulation `` four score and seven '' was an allusion to the King James Version of the Bible 's , in which man 's lifespan is given as `` threescore years and ten ; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years . ''