Luke 2:1
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
Original Language Analysis
Ἐγένετο
it came to pass
G1096
Ἐγένετο
it came to pass
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
1 of 15
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέραις
days
G2250
ἡμέραις
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
5 of 15
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ἐκείναις
those
G1565
ἐκείναις
those
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
6 of 15
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
παρὰ
from
G3844
παρὰ
from
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
ἀπογράφεσθαι
should be taxed
G583
ἀπογράφεσθαι
should be taxed
Strong's:
G583
Word #:
12 of 15
to write off (a copy or list), i.e., enrol
Cross References
Luke 3:1Now 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,Matthew 24:14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.Acts 25:21But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.
Historical Context
Caesar Augustus (Octavian) reigned 27 BC - AD 14, establishing the Pax Romana. Historical records confirm periodic census registrations throughout the empire, though dating Luke's specific census remains debated. Quirinius's governorship (v.2) may refer to an earlier term before his known tenure in AD 6. Luke, a careful historian, likely had access to official records. The census required registration in ancestral hometowns, explaining Joseph's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's use of Caesar's decree to fulfill prophecy demonstrate His sovereignty over human history?
- What does Luke's careful historical documentation teach about the relationship between faith and verifiable facts?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Luke grounds the nativity in world history: 'And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed' (ἐγένετο δὲ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις ἐξῆλθεν δόγμα παρὰ Καίσαρος Αὐγούστου ἀπογράφεσθαι πᾶσαν τὴν οἰκουμένην). The term 'dogma' (δόγμα) means official decree or edict, while 'apographō' (ἀπογράφω) refers to census registration for taxation. This historical anchor demonstrates Christianity's foundation in public, verifiable events, not private myth. God's sovereignty is evident—a pagan emperor's decree unwittingly moves Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, fulfilling Micah 5:2's prophecy. Rome's might serves divine purposes without knowing it.