CINXE.COM

<!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 2:1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/2-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/42_Luk_02_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 2:1 - The Birth of Jesus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/luke/2-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/luke/2-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.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/1-80.htm" title="Luke 1:80">◄</a> Luke 2:1 <a href="/luke/2-2.htm" title="Luke 2:2">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/luke/2.htm">New International Version</a> In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. <a href="/nlt/luke/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. <a href="/esv/luke/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. <a href="/bsb/luke/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire. <a href="/blb/luke/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And it came to pass in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the world. <a href="/kjv/luke/2.htm">King James Bible</a> And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. <a href="/nkjv/luke/2.htm">New King James Version</a> And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. <a href="/nasb_/luke/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. <a href="/nasb/luke/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. <a href="/nasb77/luke/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now it came about in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. <a href="/lsb/luke/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now it happened that in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus for a census to be taken of all the inhabited earth. <a href="/amp/luke/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now in those days a decree went out from [the emperor] Caesar Augustus, that all the inhabited world (the Roman Empire) should be registered [in a census]. <a href="/csb/luke/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. <a href="/hcsb/luke/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. <a href="/asv/luke/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from C锟絪ar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled. <a href="/cev/luke/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> About that time Emperor Augustus gave orders for the names of all the people to be listed in record books. <a href="/erv/luke/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled. <a href="/gwt/luke/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> At that time the Emperor Augustus ordered a census of the Roman Empire. <a href="/gnt/luke/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> At that time Emperor Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Roman Empire. <a href="/isv/luke/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now in those days an order was published by Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be registered. <a href="/msb/luke/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire. <a href="/net/luke/2.htm">NET Bible</a> Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the empire for taxes. <a href="/nheb/luke/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be enrolled. <a href="/wbt/luke/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. <a href="/wey/luke/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Just at this time an edict was issued by Caesar Augustus for the registration of the whole Empire. <a href="/web/luke/2.htm">World English Bible</a> Now in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And it came to pass in those days, there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world be registered— <a href="/blb/luke/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And it came to pass in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the world. <a href="/ylt/luke/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And it came to pass in those days, there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world be enrolled -- <a href="/slt/luke/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it was in those days an order came out from Caesar Angustus, for the whole habitable globe to be enrolled.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> AND it came to pass, that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. <a href="/cpdv/luke/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And it happened in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, so that the whole world would be enrolled. <a href="/nabre/luke/2.htm">New American Bible</a> In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> AND it happened in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, to take a census of all the people in his empire. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But it occurred in those days that a command also went out from Augustus Caesar that every nation of his empire would be registered.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And it came to pass in those days, that there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the inhabitants of the land should be enrolled. <a href="/godbey/luke/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> It came to pass in those days, a decree went out from Augustus Caesar, to enroll all the world. <a href="/haweis/luke/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> NOW it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from C锟絪ar Augustus, that the whole land should be registered. <a href="/mace/luke/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> At that time, Cesar Augustus published an edict, to make a register of the Roman empire. <a href="/wey/luke/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Just at this time an edict was issued by Caesar Augustus for the registration of the whole Empire. <a href="/worrell/luke/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Now it came to pass, in those days, that there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the inhabited earth should be enrolled. <a href="/worsley/luke/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Now in those days an edict was published by Augustus Cesar, that all the world should be enrolled or taxed, <a href="/parallel/luke/2-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=598" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/2.htm">The Birth of Jesus</a> 1<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Now</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."></a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/1565.htm" title="1565: ekeinais (DPro-DFP) -- That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.">those</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tais (Art-DFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2250.htm" title="2250: hēmerais (N-DFP) -- A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. ">days</a> <a href="/greek/1378.htm" title="1378: dogma (N-NNS) -- A decree, edict, ordinance. From the base of dokeo; a law.">a decree</a> <a href="/greek/1831.htm" title="1831: exēlthen (V-AIA-3S) -- To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.">went out</a> <a href="/greek/3844.htm" title="3844: para (Prep) -- Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. ">from</a> <a href="/greek/2541.htm" title="2541: Kaisaros (N-GMS) -- Of Latin origin; Caesar, a title of the Roman emperor.">Caesar</a> <a href="/greek/828.htm" title="828: Augoustou (N-GMS) -- From Latin; Augustus, a title of the Roman emperor.">Augustus</a> <a href="/greek/583.htm" title="583: apographesthai (V-PNM/P) -- From apo and grapho; to write off, i.e. Enrol.">that a census should be taken</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pasan (Adj-AFS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">whole</a> <a href="/greek/3625.htm" title="3625: oikoumenēn (N-AFS) -- Feminine participle present passive of oikeo; land, i.e. The globe; specially, the Roman empire.">empire.</a> 2This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1-6</a> After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, / asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” / When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. ... <a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2</a> 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. <a href="/matthew/1-18.htm">Matthew 1:18-25</a> 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. ... <a href="/john/7-42.htm">John 7:42</a> Doesn’t the Scripture say that the Christ will come from the line of David and from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6-7</a> 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. <a href="/daniel/2-44.htm">Daniel 2:44</a> In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever. <a href="/isaiah/7-14.htm">Isaiah 7:14</a> 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. <a href="/jeremiah/23-5.htm">Jeremiah 23:5-6</a> 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. / In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness. <a href="/galatians/4-4.htm">Galatians 4:4</a> But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, <a href="/romans/1-3.htm">Romans 1:3</a> regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh, <a href="/2_samuel/7-12.htm">2 Samuel 7:12-16</a> And when your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. / He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. / I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. ... <a href="/genesis/49-10.htm">Genesis 49:10</a> The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his. <a href="/matthew/2-13.htm">Matthew 2:13-15</a> When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” / So he got up, took the Child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt, / where he stayed until the death of Herod. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” <a href="/hosea/11-1.htm">Hosea 11:1</a> When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son. <a href="/acts/5-37.htm">Acts 5:37</a> After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and drew away people after him. He too perished, and all his followers were scattered.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.Caesar.<a href="/luke/3-1.htm">Luke 3:1</a> 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,<a href="/acts/11-28.htm">Acts 11:28</a> And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.<a href="/acts/25-11.htm">Acts 25:11,21</a> For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar… all.<a href="/matthew/24-14.htm">Matthew 24:14</a> And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.<a href="/mark/14-9.htm">Mark 14:9</a> Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.<a href="/mark/16-15.htm">Mark 16:15</a> And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.taxed.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/27-1.htm">Augustus</a> <a href="/mark/12-17.htm">Caesar</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/2-17.htm">Census</a> <a href="/mark/12-17.htm">Cesar</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-2.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/mark/14-35.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/daniel/6-15.htm">Edict</a> <a href="/esther/10-1.htm">Empire</a> <a href="/psalms/69-28.htm">Enrolled</a> <a href="/mark/15-1.htm">Entire</a> <a href="/luke/1-57.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/matthew/24-14.htm">Habitable</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-11.htm">Inhabited</a> <a href="/mark/9-7.htm">Issued</a> <a href="/luke/1-54.htm">Order</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-64.htm">Registration</a> <a href="/mark/15-16.htm">Roman</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-35.htm">Taxed</a> <a href="/luke/1-80.htm">Time</a> <a href="/luke/1-65.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/luke/1-70.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/25-21.htm">Augustus</a> <a href="/luke/3-1.htm">Caesar</a> <a href="/luke/2-2.htm">Census</a> <a href="/luke/3-1.htm">Cesar</a> <a href="/romans/1-32.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/luke/2-14.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/acts/18-2.htm">Edict</a> <a href="/acts/17-6.htm">Empire</a> <a href="/luke/2-3.htm">Enrolled</a> <a href="/luke/13-17.htm">Entire</a> <a href="/luke/2-6.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/luke/4-5.htm">Habitable</a> <a href="/acts/9-32.htm">Inhabited</a> <a href="/john/11-57.htm">Issued</a> <a href="/luke/2-5.htm">Order</a> <a href="/luke/2-2.htm">Registration</a> <a href="/luke/23-38.htm">Roman</a> <a href="/luke/2-3.htm">Taxed</a> <a href="/luke/2-6.htm">Time</a> <a href="/luke/4-14.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/luke/4-5.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 2</div>1. <a href="/luke/2-1.htm">Augustus taxes all the Roman empire.</a> 6. <a href="/luke/2-6.htm">The nativity of Jesus.</a> 8. <a href="/luke/2-8.htm">An angel relates it to the shepherds, and many sing praises to God for it.</a> 15. <a href="/luke/2-15.htm">The shepherds glorify God.</a> 21. <a href="/luke/2-21.htm">Jesus is circumcised.</a> 22. <a href="/luke/2-22.htm">Mary purified.</a> 25. <a href="/luke/2-25.htm">Simeon and Anna prophesy of Jesus,</a> 39. <a href="/luke/2-39.htm">who increases in wisdom,</a> 41. <a href="/luke/2-41.htm">questions in the temple with the teachers,</a> 51. <a href="/luke/2-51.htm">and is obedient to his parents.</a> </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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now in those days This phrase situates the narrative in a specific historical context. "Those days" refers to the period of Roman rule over Judea, a time marked by political tension and expectation of the Messiah among the Jewish people. This era is significant as it fulfills the prophecy of the Messiah's coming during a time of Roman dominion, as seen in <a href="/daniel/2-44.htm">Daniel 2:44</a>.a decree went out A decree indicates an official order issued by a governing authority. In this context, it reflects the centralized power of the Roman Empire and its ability to enforce policies across vast territories. This decree sets the stage for the fulfillment of <a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2</a>, which prophesies the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem.from Caesar Augustus Caesar Augustus, originally named Gaius Octavius, was the first Roman emperor, ruling from 27 BC to AD 14. His reign brought about the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and stability across the empire. Augustus's policies and administrative reforms, including censuses, were instrumental in maintaining control over the empire. His role in the narrative underscores the divine orchestration of events leading to Jesus's birth.that a census should be taken Censuses were conducted for taxation and military conscription purposes. This particular census, however, serves a divine purpose by bringing Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah's birthplace. The census also highlights the Roman influence over Jewish life and the fulfillment of God's plan through secular means.of the whole empire The phrase "whole empire" emphasizes the vastness of Roman authority, extending from Britain to Egypt. This global reach underscores the significance of Jesus's birth, as the Savior for all nations, not just Israel. It also foreshadows the spread of the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, as seen in <a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/c/caesar_augustus.htm">Caesar Augustus</a> The first Roman emperor, ruling from 27 BC to AD 14. His decree for a census demonstrates the extent of Roman authority and governance over the known world, including Judea. 2. <a href="/topical/c/census.htm">Census</a> An official count or survey of a population, typically recording various details of individuals. This event set the stage for Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem, fulfilling prophecy. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_roman_empire.htm">The Roman Empire</a> The vast empire under Roman rule during this period, which included Judea. The empire's administrative practices, such as the census, impacted the lives of its subjects. 4. <a href="/topical/j/judea.htm">Judea</a> A region under Roman control where the events of Jesus' birth took place. The census required Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem, a town in Judea. 5. <a href="/topical/b/bethlehem.htm">Bethlehem</a> The prophesied birthplace of the Messiah, as foretold in the Old Testament. The census indirectly led to the fulfillment of this prophecy.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_world_events.htm">God's Sovereignty Over World Events</a> Even secular decrees and political events are under God's control and can be used to fulfill His divine purposes. <a href="/topical/f/fulfillment_of_prophecy.htm">Fulfillment of Prophecy</a> The journey to Bethlehem due to the census highlights the accuracy and reliability of biblical prophecy. <a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_authority.htm">Obedience to Authority</a> Joseph and Mary's compliance with the Roman decree exemplifies the biblical principle of respecting and obeying governing authorities. <a href="/topical/d/divine_timing.htm">Divine Timing</a> God's timing is perfect, orchestrating events in history to align with His redemptive plan. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_plan.htm">Trust in God's Plan</a> Believers can trust that God is at work in the details of their lives, even when circumstances seem driven by worldly powers.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 2</a> <a href="/q/augustus_caesar's_biblical_role.htm">What is Augustus Caesar's biblical significance?</a> <a href="/q/did_jesus_father_any_children.htm">Did Jesus father any children?</a> <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 href="/q/how_do_yule_and_christmas_differ.htm">How do Yule and Christmas differ?</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>II.(1) There went out a decree.--The passage that follows has given rise to almost endless discussion. The main facts may be summed up as follows:--(1) The word "taxed" is used in its older English sense of simple "registration," and in that sense is a true equivalent for the Greek word. The corresponding verb appears in <a href="/hebrews/12-23.htm" title="To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,">Hebrews 12:23</a>. It does not involve, as to modern ears it seems to do, the payment of taxes. The "world" (literally, the inhabited world, ?????????, ?cumene,--the word from which we form the word "?cumenical" as applied to councils) is taken, as throughout the New Testament, for the Roman empire. What Augustus is said to have decreed, was a general census. (2) It may be admitted that no Roman or Jewish historian speaks distinctly of such a general census as made at this time. On the other hand, the collection of statistical returns of this nature was an ever-recurring feature of the policy of Augustus. We read of such returns at intervals of about ten years during the whole period of his government. In B.C. 27, when he offered to resign, he laid before the Senate a rationarium, or survey of the whole empire. After his death, a like document, more epitomised--a breviarium--was produced as having been compiled by him. There are traces of one about this time made by the Emperor, not in his character as Censor, but by an imperial edict such as St. Luke here describes. (3) Just before the death of Herod, Josephus (Wars, i. 27, ? 2; 29:2) reports that there was an agitation among the Jews, which led him to require them to take an oath of fidelity, not to himself only, but to the Emperor, and that 6,000 Pharisees refused to take it. He does not say what caused it, but the census which St. Luke records, holding out, as it did, the prospect of future taxation in the modern sense, sufficiently explains it. (4) It need hardly be said that the whole policy of Herod was one of subservience to the Emperor, and that though he retained a nominal independence, he was not likely to resist the wish of the Emperor for statistics of the population, or even of the property, of the province over which he ruled. (5) It may be noted that none of the early opponents of Christianity--such as Celsus and Porphyry--call the accuracy of the statement in question. St. Luke, we may add, lastly, as an inquirer, writing for men of education, would not have been likely to expose himself to the risk of detection by asserting that there had been such a census in the face of facts to the contrary.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 1-20. - The Redeemer's birth. Verse 1. - There went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed; more accurately, that there should be a registration, etc.; that is, with a view to the assessment of a tax. On the historical note of St. Luke in this passage much discussion has arisen, not, however, of much real practical interest to the ordinary devout reader. We will glance very briefly at the main criticism of this and the following verse. Respecting this general registration it is alleged (1) no historian of the time mentions such a decree of Augustus. (2) Supposing Augustus had issued such an edict, Herod, in his kingdom of Judaea, would not have been included in it, for Judaea was not formally annexed to the Roman province of Syria before the death of Archelaus, Herod's son; for some years after this time Herod occupied the position of a rex socius. In answer to (1), we possess scarcely any minute records of this particular time; and there are besides distinct traces in contemporary histories of such a general registration. In answer to (2), in the event of such an imperial registration being made, it was most unlikely that Herod would have claimed exemption for his only nominally independent states. It must be remembered that Herod was an attached dependent of the emperor, and in such a matter would never have opposed the imperial will of his great patron. <a href="/commentaries/luke/2-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Now δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. those ἐκείναις (ekeinais) Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1565.htm">Strong's 1565: </a> That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed. days ἡμέραις (hēmerais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2250.htm">Strong's 2250: </a> A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. a decree δόγμα (dogma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1378.htm">Strong's 1378: </a> A decree, edict, ordinance. From the base of dokeo; a law. went out ἐξῆλθεν (exēlthen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1831.htm">Strong's 1831: </a> To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue. from παρὰ (para) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3844.htm">Strong's 3844: </a> Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. Caesar Καίσαρος (Kaisaros) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2541.htm">Strong's 2541: </a> Of Latin origin; Caesar, a title of the Roman emperor. Augustus Αὐγούστου (Augoustou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_828.htm">Strong's 828: </a> From Latin; Augustus, a title of the Roman emperor. that a census should be taken ἀπογράφεσθαι (apographesthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_583.htm">Strong's 583: </a> From apo and grapho; to write off, i.e. Enrol. of the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. entire πᾶσαν (pasan) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. [ Roman ] world. οἰκουμένην (oikoumenēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3625.htm">Strong's 3625: </a> Feminine participle present passive of oikeo; land, i.e. The globe; specially, the Roman empire. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/2-1.htm">Luke 2:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/2-1.htm">Luke 2:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/2-1.htm">Luke 2:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/2-1.htm">Luke 2:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/2-1.htm">Luke 2:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/2-1.htm">Luke 2:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/2-1.htm">Luke 2:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/2-1.htm">Luke 2:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/2-1.htm">Luke 2:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/2-1.htm">Luke 2:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/2-1.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 2:1 Now it happened in those days that (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/1-80.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 1:80"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 1:80" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/2-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 2:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 2:2" /></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>