1Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the inhabited Roman world. [2:2] This was the first registration, made when Quirinius was governing Syria. [2:3] And everyone traveled to be registered, each to his own city. [2:4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem — because he was of the house and lineage of David — [2:5] to be registered with Mary, who was betrothed to him as wife and was with child. [2:6] And it came about that while they were there the days for her to give birth were completed, [2:7] and she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the guest room.
LUK 2:1-7
The Birth of Jesus
In the world it was spoken into
In the 1st-century Roman Empire, Caesar Augustus’ decree for a census was a familiar administrative act, reflecting Roman control over its territories. Such registrations were tied to taxation and military conscription, emphasizing imperial authority. For Jews, this act would have been particularly fraught, as it underscored their subjugation to Rome. Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a city of Davidic heritage, aligns with Jewish tribal identity and ancestral land claims. Bethlehem’s association with David would evoke messianic expectations among Jewish listeners. The term (inhabited world) underscores the universality of Roman rule, while (betrothed) highlights Mary’s legally binding marital status, though not yet fully consummated. The mention of (firstborn) carries Jewish legal and covenantal significance, invoking inheritance rights and consecration to God. The (guest room) likely refers to a space in a private home, not a commercial inn, reflecting hospitality customs. The manger setting underscores humility, contrasting with Roman imperial grandeur.
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How other translations render this
LUK 2:1
- KJV
- And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
- BSB
- Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire.
- Koinōnos
- Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the inhabited Roman world.
LUK 2:2
- KJV
- (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
- BSB
- This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
- Koinōnos
- This was the first registration, made when Quirinius was governing Syria.
LUK 2:3
- KJV
- And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
- BSB
- And everyone went to his own town to register.
- Koinōnos
- And everyone traveled to be registered, each to his own city.
LUK 2:4
- KJV
- 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:)
- BSB
- So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David.
- Koinōnos
- And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem — because he was of the house and lineage of David —
LUK 2:5
- KJV
- To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
- BSB
- He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child.
- Koinōnos
- to be registered with Mary, who was betrothed to him as wife and was with child.
LUK 2:6
- KJV
- And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
- BSB
- While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born.
- Koinōnos
- And it came about that while they were there the days for her to give birth were completed,
LUK 2:7
- KJV
- And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
- BSB
- And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
- Koinōnos
- and she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the guest room.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
LUK 2:1
- world.:The word translated 'world' here specifically referred to the inhabited Roman Empire, not the entire globe or the cosmos.
LUK 2:5
- betrothed:The term 'betrothed' in this context indicated a legally binding marriage contract, making the couple husband and wife, though not yet cohabiting.
LUK 2:7
- firstborn:The word translated 'firstborn' carried significant legal and cultural implications in Jewish tradition, including specific rights and responsibilities.
- the:The word translated 'the' here refers to a 'guest room' within a private home, not a commercial inn or hotel as often imagined.