Keraia
Luke 2

Luke 2:1

The Birth of Jesus · Luke 2:1–7
Read Luke 2

Translations

Modern
Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire.
Traditional
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
Literal
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the world.
Latin
Factum est autem in diebus illis, exiit edictum a Cæsare Augusto ut describeretur universus orbis.

Original

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

Notes

Luke 2:1

  • Caesar Augustus was also called Octavian. He ruled the Roman Empire from 27 BC to AD 14. Before his rule, Rome was a republic governed by the Senate. The Senate gave Augustus supreme power, and Rome became an empire. Augustus protected the empire’s borders and began the Pax Romana (“Roman Peace”). This was a long period of peace and success around the Mediterranean Sea.

  • A census was an official count of the people. Rome used a census to register people for taxes.

Luke 2:1–7

After describing the birth of John, Luke gives a similar account of the birth of Jesus. Luke emphasizes the lowliness (very humble condition) of the birth of Jesus. Although Jesus was the Messiah (God’s chosen king and deliverer), he entered the world in humble circumstances.

Events

Parallels

Matthew 1:18–25

People

Augustus: Roman emperor during the birth of Jesus

Glossary

Augustus Caesar Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of the Acts of the Apostles Census Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Citizenship Coins Earth Jesus Christ Joseph Luke, Gospel of Rome (City) The Caesars Travel Virgin Birth of Jesus

Topics

Augustus: An Important Roman Emperor Caesar: Augustus Census of the Roman Empire, by Caesar Government: Imperial Jesus, the Christ: Birth of (At Bethlehem) Jesus, the Christ: Incarnation of Joseph: Husband of Mary: Goes to Bethlehem to be Enrolled Prophecies Respecting Christ: His Coming at a Set Time: Fulfilled Roman Empire: Ruled by Augustus Caesar Tax: Poll Tax: The RV Changes the Reading to Enrolled Instead of Taxed The Providence of God: Connected with the Use of Means The Roman Empire: Called the World from Its Extent The Roman Empire: Emperors of, Mentioned: Augustus Tribute (Taxes): from Conquered Nations Tribute: Roman: Decree of Augustus For