King James Version

What Does Luke 2:2 Mean?

Luke 2:2 in the King James Version says “( And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) — study this verse from Luke chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

( And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

Luke 2:2 · KJV


Context

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. taxed: or, enrolled

2

( And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Luke's historical precision—'this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria'—grounds the Gospel in verifiable history. The phrase 'first made' (Greek 'prote egeneto') may indicate this was the first of several enrollments or be a grammatical construction meaning 'this enrollment took place when.' Luke's concern for historical accuracy supports the Gospel's reliability. Mentioning Cyrenius (Quirinius) anchors Christ's birth to datable events, emphasizing that Christianity rests on historical facts, not myths. This verse demonstrates that God's eternal purposes unfold within human history, using even pagan governmental decrees to accomplish His will.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Quirinius served as governor of Syria, though historical records create some chronological challenges with the dating. Luke, as careful historian, provides details allowing readers to verify accounts. The census under Augustus fulfilled the requirement that Joseph go to Bethlehem, fulfilling Micah 5:2.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is the historical accuracy and verifiability of Jesus's birth important to Christian faith?
  2. How does God use secular governments to accomplish His redemptive purposes?
  3. What does Luke's historical precision teach about the nature of Scripture?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
αὕτη1 of 9

(And this

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

2 of 9
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀπογραφὴ3 of 9

taxing

G582

an enrollment; by implication, an assessment

πρώτη4 of 9

first

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

ἐγένετο5 of 9

made

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἡγεμονεύοντος6 of 9

was governor

G2230

to act as ruler

τῆς7 of 9
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Συρίας8 of 9

of Syria

G4947

syria (i.e., tsyria or tyre), a region of asia

Κυρηνίου9 of 9

when Cyrenius

G2958

cyrenius (i.e., quirinus), a roman


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 2:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 2:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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