Luke 2:1
New International Version
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

New Living Translation
At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire.

English Standard Version
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

Berean Standard Bible
Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire.

Berean Literal Bible
And it came to pass in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the world.

King James Bible
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

New King James Version
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

New American Standard Bible
Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.

NASB 1995
Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.

NASB 1977
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.

Legacy Standard Bible
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.

Amplified Bible
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].

Christian Standard Bible
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered.

American Standard Version
Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled.

Contemporary English Version
About that time Emperor Augustus gave orders for the names of all the people to be listed in record books.

English Revised Version
Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
At that time the Emperor Augustus ordered a census of the Roman Empire.

Good News Translation
At that time Emperor Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Roman Empire.

International Standard Version
Now in those days an order was published by Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be registered.

Majority Standard Bible
Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire.

NET Bible
Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the empire for taxes.

New Heart English Bible
Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be enrolled.

Webster's Bible Translation
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

Weymouth New Testament
Just at this time an edict was issued by Caesar Augustus for the registration of the whole Empire.

World English Bible
Now in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it came to pass in those days, there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world be registered—

Berean Literal Bible
And it came to pass in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the world.

Young's Literal Translation
And it came to pass in those days, there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world be enrolled --

Smith's Literal Translation
And it was in those days an order came out from Caesar Angustus, for the whole habitable globe to be enrolled.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
AND it came to pass, that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And it happened in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, so that the whole world would be enrolled.

New American Bible
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled.

New Revised Standard Version
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
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.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But it occurred in those days that a command also went out from Augustus Caesar that every nation of his empire would be registered.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
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.

Godbey New Testament
It came to pass in those days, a decree went out from Augustus Caesar, to enroll all the world.

Haweis New Testament
NOW it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that the whole land should be registered.

Mace New Testament
At that time, Cesar Augustus published an edict, to make a register of the Roman empire.

Weymouth New Testament
Just at this time an edict was issued by Caesar Augustus for the registration of the whole Empire.

Worrell New Testament
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.

Worsley New Testament
Now in those days an edict was published by Augustus Cesar, that all the world should be enrolled or taxed,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Birth of Jesus
1Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire. 2This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.…

Cross References
Matthew 2:1-6
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. ...

Micah 5:2
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.

Matthew 1:18-25
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. ...

John 7:42
Doesn’t the Scripture say that the Christ will come from the line of David and from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?”

Isaiah 9:6-7
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.

Daniel 2:44
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.

Isaiah 7:14
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.

Jeremiah 23:5-6
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.

Galatians 4:4
But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

Romans 1:3
regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh,

2 Samuel 7:12-16
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. ...

Genesis 49:10
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.

Matthew 2:13-15
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.”

Hosea 11:1
When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.

Acts 5:37
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.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

Luke 3:1
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,

Acts 11:28
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.

Acts 25:11,21
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.

Matthew 24:14
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.

Mark 14:9
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.

Mark 16:15
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

taxed.

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Augustus Caesar Census Cesar Decree Earth Edict Empire Enrolled Entire Forth Habitable Inhabited Issued Order Registration Roman Taxed Time Whole World
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Augustus Caesar Census Cesar Decree Earth Edict Empire Enrolled Entire Forth Habitable Inhabited Issued Order Registration Roman Taxed Time Whole World
Luke 2
1. Augustus taxes all the Roman empire.
6. The nativity of Jesus.
8. An angel relates it to the shepherds, and many sing praises to God for it.
15. The shepherds glorify God.
21. Jesus is circumcised.
22. Mary purified.
25. Simeon and Anna prophesy of Jesus,
39. who increases in wisdom,
41. questions in the temple with the teachers,
51. and is obedient to his parents.














Now in those days
This phrase sets the historical context for the narrative, indicating a specific period in history. The phrase "in those days" often signifies a significant moment in biblical history. It connects the reader to the broader narrative of God's unfolding plan. Historically, this was a time of Roman dominance, and the phrase invites readers to consider the socio-political climate of the era. The Roman Empire was at its height, and the Jewish people were living under Roman rule, which plays a crucial role in the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies.

a decree went out
The term "decree" (Greek: δόγμα, dogma) refers to an official order or edict. In the Roman context, such decrees were authoritative and binding, reflecting the centralized power of the emperor. This decree is significant as it sets the stage for the fulfillment of prophecy regarding the birthplace of the Messiah. The decree's issuance demonstrates God's sovereignty, using even secular authorities to accomplish divine purposes.

from Caesar Augustus
Caesar Augustus, originally named Gaius Octavius, was the first Roman emperor and ruled from 27 BC to AD 14. His reign marked the beginning of the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and stability across the empire. Augustus was known for his administrative reforms and efforts to consolidate power. His mention here highlights the historical accuracy of the Gospel account and underscores the global reach of the Roman Empire, which God used to facilitate the spread of the Gospel.

that a census should be taken
The census (Greek: ἀπογραφή, apographē) was a common practice in the Roman Empire for taxation and military purposes. This particular census is pivotal in the biblical narrative as it leads to Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of Micah 5:2 regarding the Messiah's birthplace. The census serves as a reminder of God's providence, orchestrating events to align with His divine plan.

of the whole empire
The phrase "whole empire" (Greek: οἰκουμένη, oikoumenē) refers to the inhabited world under Roman control. This global perspective emphasizes the vastness of the Roman Empire and the far-reaching impact of its decrees. It also foreshadows the universal nature of the Gospel, which would eventually spread throughout the known world. The inclusion of this detail highlights the comprehensive scope of God's redemptive plan, extending beyond Israel to all nations.

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 Hebrews 12:23. 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.

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.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Now
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: 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
Strong's 1565: That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.

days
ἡμέραις (hēmerais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

a decree
δόγμα (dogma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1378: A decree, edict, ordinance. From the base of dokeo; a law.

went out
ἐξῆλθεν (exēlthen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1831: To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.

from
παρὰ (para)
Preposition
Strong's 3844: Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of.

Caesar
Καίσαρος (Kaisaros)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2541: Of Latin origin; Caesar, a title of the Roman emperor.

Augustus
Αὐγούστου (Augoustou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 828: From Latin; Augustus, a title of the Roman emperor.

that a census should be taken
ἀπογράφεσθαι (apographesthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 583: From apo and grapho; to write off, i.e. Enrol.

of the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: 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
Strong's 3956: 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
Strong's 3625: Feminine participle present passive of oikeo; land, i.e. The globe; specially, the Roman empire.


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NT Gospels: Luke 2:1 Now it happened in those days that (Luke Lu Lk)
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