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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 2:2 This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/2-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/42_Luk_02_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 2:2 - The Birth of Jesus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/2-1.htm" title="Luke 2:1">◄</a> Luke 2:2 <a href="/luke/2-3.htm" title="Luke 2:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/luke/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/luke/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/luke/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />(This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/luke/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/luke/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />This registration first took place <i>when</i> Quirinius was governing Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/luke/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />(<i>And</i> this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/luke/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/luke/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/luke/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/luke/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/luke/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/luke/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/luke/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/luke/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/luke/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/luke/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />These first records were made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/luke/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/luke/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/luke/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When this first census took place, Quirinius was the governor of Syria. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/luke/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />This was the first registration taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/luke/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/luke/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />This was the first registration, taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/luke/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/luke/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />It was the first registration made during the governorship of Quirinius in Syria;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/luke/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/luke/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />this census first came to pass when Quirinius was governor of Syria—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />This registration first took place <i>when</i> Quirinius was governing Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/luke/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> this enrolment first came to pass when Cyrenius was governor of Syria -- <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/luke/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />(This enrolling was first, Cyrenius being leader of Syria.)<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/luke/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/luke/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />This was the first enrollment; it was made by the ruler of Syria, Quirinius.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/luke/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/luke/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/luke/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />This first census took place during the governorship of Quirinius in Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />This census was the first in the government of Quraynus in Syria.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/luke/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />This enrollment first took place when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/luke/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />This was the first enrollment, Cyrenius being governor of Syria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/luke/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />(And this first enrolment was made by Cyrenius, <i>afterwards</i> governor of Syria)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/luke/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />(this register was made before Quirinus was prefect of Syria.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />It was the first registration made during the governorship of Quirinius in Syria;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/luke/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />(This enrolment first was made, when Quirinius was governor of Syria).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/luke/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />(this tax was first levied when Cyrenius was governor of Syria) and they all went to be enrolled,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/luke/2-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=606" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/luke/2.htm">The Birth of Jesus</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: hautē (DPro-NFS) -- This; he, she, it. ">This was the</a> <a href="/greek/4413.htm" title="4413: prōtē (Adj-NFS) -- First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.">first</a> <a href="/greek/582.htm" title="582: apographē (N-NFS) -- An enrollment, census-taking, record. From apographo; an enrollment; by implication, an assessment.">census</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: egeneto (V-AIM-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">to take place while</a> <a href="/greek/2958.htm" title="2958: Kyrēniou (N-GMS) -- Cyrenius or Quirinius, governor of Syria. Of Latin origin; Cyrenius, a Roman.">Quirinius</a> <a href="/greek/2230.htm" title="2230: hēgemoneuontos (V-PPA-GMS) -- To govern. From hegemon; to act as ruler.">was governor</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/4947.htm" title="4947: Syrias (N-GFS) -- Syria, a great Roman imperial province, united with Cilicia. Probably of Hebrew origin; Syria, a region of Asia.">Syria.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">3</span>And everyone went to his own town to register.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1</a></span><br />After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-16.htm">Matthew 2:16</a></span><br />When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-42.htm">John 7:42</a></span><br />Doesn’t the Scripture say that the Christ will come from the line of David and from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2</a></span><br />But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/9-25.htm">Daniel 9:25</a></span><br />Know and understand this: From the issuance of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Messiah, the Prince, there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6-7</a></span><br />For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. / Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-5.htm">Jeremiah 23:5</a></span><br />Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/11-1.htm">Hosea 11:1</a></span><br />When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/1-18.htm">Matthew 1:18-25</a></span><br />This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. / Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly. / But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-4.htm">Galatians 4:4</a></span><br />But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-3.htm">Romans 1:3</a></span><br />regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7</a></span><br />but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/2-14.htm">Hebrews 2:14</a></span><br />Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/3-16.htm">1 Timothy 3:16</a></span><br />By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/7-14.htm">Isaiah 7:14</a></span><br />Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)</p><p class="hdg">taxing.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/5-37.htm">Acts 5:37</a></b></br> After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, <i>even</i> as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.</p><p class="hdg">governor.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/3-1.htm">Luke 3:1</a></b></br> Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/13-7.htm">Acts 13:7</a></b></br> Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/18-12.htm">Acts 18:12</a></b></br> And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/2-1.htm">Census</a> <a href="/ezra/8-1.htm">Enrollment</a> <a href="/luke/1-3.htm">First</a> <a href="/matthew/28-14.htm">Governor</a> <a href="/mark/4-29.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/mark/5-13.htm">Numbering</a> <a href="/luke/2-1.htm">Registration</a> <a href="/mark/5-38.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/matthew/4-24.htm">Syria</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-32.htm">Taxing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/2-3.htm">Census</a> <a href="/acts/5-37.htm">Enrollment</a> <a href="/luke/2-7.htm">First</a> <a href="/luke/3-1.htm">Governor</a> <a href="/luke/5-37.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/john/6-10.htm">Numbering</a> <a href="/numbers/1-24.htm">Registration</a> <a href="/luke/8-41.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/acts/15-23.htm">Syria</a> <a href="/acts/5-37.htm">Taxing</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/2-1.htm">Augustus taxes all the Roman empire.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/2-6.htm">The nativity of Jesus.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/2-8.htm">An angel relates it to the shepherds, and many sing praises to God for it.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/2-15.htm">The shepherds glorify God.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/2-21.htm">Jesus is circumcised.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/2-22.htm">Mary purified.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/2-25.htm">Simeon and Anna prophesy of Jesus,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/2-39.htm">who increases in wisdom,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">41. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/2-41.htm">questions in the temple with the teachers,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">51. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/2-51.htm">and is obedient to his parents.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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Censuses were conducted for taxation and military purposes, reflecting the Roman influence over the region. This aligns with historical records of Roman practices, where censuses were a common method to ensure efficient governance and resource allocation. The census also sets the stage for the fulfillment of prophecy, as it leads to Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem, the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah (<a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2</a>).<p><b>to take place</b><br>The timing of the census is crucial for understanding the historical context of Jesus' birth. It suggests a specific period when Roman administrative activities intersected with biblical events. This phrase emphasizes the historical nature of the account, grounding the narrative in real-world events that can be cross-referenced with historical data.<p><b>while Quirinius was governor of Syria</b><br>Quirinius, known from historical sources, was a Roman official whose governance included overseeing the region of Syria, which encompassed Judea. The mention of Quirinius helps to date the events described in the Gospel of Luke. Although there is some debate among scholars regarding the exact timing of Quirinius's governorship and the census, this reference serves to anchor the narrative in a specific historical framework. The governance of Quirinius is significant as it highlights the political backdrop of Jesus' birth, underlining the Roman authority over the Jewish people and setting the stage for the socio-political tensions present during Jesus' ministry.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/q/quirinius.htm">Quirinius</a></b><br>A Roman official who served as governor of Syria. His governance is noted for the census that took place, which is significant in the context of Jesus' birth account.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/syria.htm">Syria</a></b><br>A Roman province during the time of Jesus' birth. It was a significant region in the Roman Empire, and its governance played a role in the events surrounding the nativity account.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/census.htm">Census</a></b><br>An official count or survey of a population, typically recording various details of individuals. The census mentioned in <a href="/luke/2-2.htm">Luke 2:2</a> is crucial as it sets the stage for Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah's birthplace.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_world_events.htm">God's Sovereignty in World Events</a></b><br>The census, a political event, was used by God to fulfill His divine plan. This reminds us that God can use any circumstance, even governmental decrees, to accomplish His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prophecy_fulfillment.htm">Prophecy Fulfillment</a></b><br>The journey to Bethlehem due to the census highlights the fulfillment of prophecy. It encourages believers to trust in the reliability and truth of God's Word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_and_faithfulness.htm">Obedience and Faithfulness</a></b><br>Joseph and Mary's compliance with the census decree, despite the inconvenience, demonstrates obedience and faithfulness. Believers are called to trust and obey God's leading, even when it disrupts personal plans.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/historical_context_and_faith.htm">Historical Context and Faith</a></b><br>Understanding the historical and political context of biblical events can deepen our faith and appreciation for God's orchestration of history.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_quirinius_align_with_herod.htm">(Luke 2:2) How does the mention of Quirinius’s governorship align with Herod’s era, given known historical timelines? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_was_jesus'_age_at_his_death.htm">What was Jesus' age at His death?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_quirinius_conduct_a_census.htm">What was the purpose of Quirinius' census?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_augustus'_empire-wide_census.htm">(Luke 2:1) Where is the historical evidence for a census of the entire Roman Empire under Caesar Augustus as stated here? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.</span>--Here we come upon difficulties of another kind. Publicius Sulpicius Quirinus ("Cyrenius" is the Greek form of the last of the three names) was Consul B.C. 12, but he is not named as Governor of Syria till after the deposition of Archelaus, A.D. 6, and he was then conspicuous in carrying out a census which involved taxation in the modern sense; and this was the "taxing" referred to in Gamaliel's speech (<a href="/acts/5-37.htm" title="After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.">Acts 5:37</a>) as having led to the revolt of Judas of Galilee. How are we to explain the statement of St. Luke so as to reconcile it with the facts of history? (1) The word translated "first" has been taken as if it meant "before," as it is rendered in <a href="/john/1-15.htm" title="John bore witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spoke, He that comes after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.">John 1:15</a>; <a href="/john/1-30.htm" title="This is he of whom I said, After me comes a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.">John 1:30</a>. This cuts the knot of the difficulty, but it is hardly satisfactory. This construction is not found elsewhere in St. Luke, and his manner is to refer to contemporary events, not to subsequent ones. It is hardly natural to speak of one event simply as happening before another, with no hint as to the interval that separated them, when that interval included ten or twelve years. (2) Our knowledge of the governors of Syria at this period is imperfect. The dates of their appointments, so far as they go, are as follows:--<p>B.C. 9.--Sentius Saturninus.<p>B.C. 6.--T. Quintilius Varus.<p>A.D. 6.--P. Sulpicius Quirinus.<p>It was, however, part of the policy of Augustus that no governor of an imperial province should hold office for more than five or less than three years, and it is in the highest degree improbable that Varus (whom we find in A.D. 7 in command of the ill-fated expedition against the Germans) should have continued in office for the twelve years which the above dates suggest. One of the missing links is found in A. Volusius Saturninus, whose name appears on a coin of Antioch about A.D. 4 or 5. The fact that Quirinus appears as a <span class= "ital">rector,</span> or special commissioner attached to Caius Caesar, when he was sent to Armenia (Tac. <span class= "ital">Ann.</span> iii. 48), at some period before A.D. 4, the year in which Caius died--probably between B.C. 4 and 1--shows that he was in the East at this time, and we may therefore fairly look on St. Luke as having supplied the missing link in the succession, or at least as confirming the statement that Quirinus was in some office of authority in the East, if not as <span class= "ital">praeses,</span> or <span class= "ital">proconsul</span> then as <span class= "ital">quaetor</span> or Imperial Commissioner. Tacitus, however, records the fact that he triumphed over a Cilician tribe (the Homonadenses) after his consulship; and, as Cilicia was, at that time, attached to the province of Syria, it is probable that he was actually "governor" in the stricter sense of a term somewhat loosely used. St. Luke is, on this view, as accurate in his history here as he is proved to be in all other points where he comes in contact with the contemporary history of the empire, and the true meaning is found by emphasising the adjective, "This enrolment was the first under Quirinus's government of Syria." He expressly distinguishes it, <span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> from the more memorable "taxing" of which Gamaliel speaks (<a href="/acts/5-37.htm" title="After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.">Acts 5:37</a>). St. Luke, it may be noted, is the only New Testament writer who uses the word. Justin Martyr, it may be added, confidently appeals to Roman registers as confirming St. Luke's statement that our Lord was born under Quirinus. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)</span> Hostile criticism makes a still more direct attack upon the historical statement made by St. Luke here. Quirinius, it is well known, was governor (legatus or praeses) of Syria ten years later, and during his office a census or registration - with a view to taxation - which led to a popular disturbance, was made in his province. These critics say that St. Luke mentions, as taking place before the birth of Jesus, an event which really happened ten years after. Much historical vestigation has been made with a view to explain this difficulty. It has been now satisfactorily demonstrated that, strangely enough, this Quirinius - who ten years later was certainly governor (legatus) of Syria - at the time of the birth of the Savior held high office in Syria, either as praeses (governor) or quaestor (imperial commissioner). The Greek word rendered by the English "governor" would have been used for either of these important offices. On the whole question of these alleged historical inaccuracies of St. Luke, it may be observed: <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> Strangely enough, none of the early opponents of Christianity, such as Celsus or Porphyry, impugn the accuracy of our evangelist here. Surely, if there had been so marked an error on the threshold of his Gospel, these distinguished adversaries of our faith, living comparatively soon after the events in question, would have been the first to hit so conspicuous a blot in the story they hated so well. And <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> nothing is more improbable than that St. Luke, a man of education, and writing, too, evidently for people of thought and culture, would have ventured on a definite historical statement of this kind, which would, if wrong, have been so easily exposed, had he not previously thoroughly satisfied himself as to its complete accuracy. Generally, the above conclusions are now adopted, lately, amongst others, by Godet, Farrar, Plumptre, and Bishop Ellicott (in his Hulsean Lectures). Godet has an especially long and exhaustive note on this subject. The conclusions are mainly drawn from the researches of such scholars as Zumpt and Mommsen. <span class="cmt_word">Cyrenius</span>; Latin, Quirinus. He is mentioned by the historians Tacitus and Suetonius. He appears to have been originally of humble birth, and, like so many of the soldiers of fortune of the empire, rose through his own merits to his great position. He was a gallant and true soldier, but withal self-seeking and harsh. For his Cilician victories the senate decreed him a triumph. He received the distinguished honor of a public funeral, A.D. 21 (Tac., 'Ann.,' 2:30; 3:22, 48; Suet., 'Tib.,' 49). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/luke/2-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">This [was the]</span><br /><span class="grk">αὕτη</span> <span class="translit">(hautē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">first</span><br /><span class="grk">πρώτη</span> <span class="translit">(prōtē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4413.htm">Strong's 4413: </a> </span><span class="str2">First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">census</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀπογραφὴ</span> <span class="translit">(apographē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_582.htm">Strong's 582: </a> </span><span class="str2">An enrollment, census-taking, record. From apographo; an enrollment; by implication, an assessment.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to take place [while]</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐγένετο</span> <span class="translit">(egeneto)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Quirinius</span><br /><span class="grk">Κυρηνίου</span> <span class="translit">(Kyrēniou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2958.htm">Strong's 2958: </a> </span><span class="str2">Cyrenius or Quirinius, governor of Syria. Of Latin origin; Cyrenius, a Roman.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was governor</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡγεμονεύοντος</span> <span class="translit">(hēgemoneuontos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2230.htm">Strong's 2230: </a> </span><span class="str2">To govern. From hegemon; to act as ruler.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of</span><br /><span class="grk">τῆς</span> <span class="translit">(tēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Syria.</span><br /><span class="grk">Συρίας</span> <span class="translit">(Syrias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4947.htm">Strong's 4947: </a> </span><span class="str2">Syria, a great Roman imperial province, united with Cilicia. Probably of Hebrew origin; Syria, a region of Asia.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/2-2.htm">Luke 2:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/luke/2-2.htm">Luke 2:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/luke/2-2.htm">Luke 2:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/luke/2-2.htm">Luke 2:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/luke/2-2.htm">Luke 2:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/2-2.htm">Luke 2:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/2-2.htm">Luke 2:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/2-2.htm">Luke 2:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/luke/2-2.htm">Luke 2:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/luke/2-2.htm">Luke 2:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/luke/2-2.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 2:2 This was the first enrollment made when (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/2-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 2:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 2:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/2-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 2:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 2:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>