Luke 2:3
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπορεύοντο
went
G4198
ἐπορεύοντο
went
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
2 of 9
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 9
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Augustus's empire-wide census (8-6 BC) aimed to assess taxable resources. The Jewish custom of registering by tribal ancestry rather than current residence explains Joseph's Bethlehem journey. Roman census records from Egypt confirm similar registration practices requiring travel to family origins.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's use of Caesar's decree demonstrate His sovereignty over earthly powers to fulfill His purposes?
- What does this census reveal about God's attention to prophetic detail in orchestrating Christ's birth location?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
All went to be taxed, every one into his own city (ἐπορεύοντο πάντες ἀπογράφεσθαι, ἕκαστος εἰς τὴν ἑαυτοῦ πόλιν, eporeuonto pantes apographesthai, hekastos eis tēn heautou polin)—The Greek apographesthai means 'to be registered' or 'enrolled,' indicating a census for taxation purposes. Roman administrative efficiency required travel to ancestral cities, unwittingly fulfilling Micah 5:2's prophecy that Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
God's sovereignty uses pagan empire bureaucracy to accomplish prophetic precision—Caesar Augustus's decree becomes the instrument of divine providence. The massive population movement demonstrated Rome's absolute authority while simultaneously positioning Mary and Joseph exactly where Scripture required for the birth of David's greater Son.