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This article, '''Luke and ‘the’ Census''', discusses Luke’s mentioning of a census, and the Roman governor [[Quirinius]], in the context of the birth of [[Jesus]].  The matter is of significance because it is commonly cited as an example of an error in the Holy [[Bible]], though this assertion is based on misinterpretations and historical misunderstandings.

This article, '''Luke and ‘the’ Census''', discusses Luke’s mentioning of a census, and the [[Roman]] governor [[Quirinius]], in the context of the birth of [[Jesus]].  The matter is of significance because it is commonly cited as an example of an error in the Holy [[Bible]], though this assertion is based on misinterpretations and historical misunderstandings.

== Common Translation ==

== Common Translation ==

The [[Gospel of Luke]], chapter 2, records the birth of Jesus.  The common translation is given below, with the disputed sentence italicized:

The [[Gospel of Luke]], chapter 2, records the birth of Jesus.  The common translation is given below, with the disputed sentence italicized:

:In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ''This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.'' And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1-7, English Standard Version)

:In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ''This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.'' And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of [[David]], which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1-7, English Standard Version)

The English Standard Version gives an alternative reading of the italicized passage: “This was the registration before Quirinius was governor of Syria”.  The primary issue is of Quirinius’s governorship, and whether Jesus was born ''during'' or ''before'' the census conducted by him.  However, at this point it will suffice to observe that Luke is often taken to be saying that Joseph went to Bethlehem because of the census conducted by Quirinius.

The English Standard Version gives an alternative reading of the italicized passage: “This was the registration before Quirinius was governor of Syria”.  The primary issue is of Quirinius’s governorship, and whether Jesus was born ''during'' or ''before'' the census conducted by him.  However, at this point it will suffice to observe that Luke is often taken to be saying that Joseph went to Bethlehem because of the census conducted by Quirinius.