King James Bible
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

American Standard Version
Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled.

Young's Literal Translation
And it came to pass in those days, there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world be enrolled --

Luke 2:1 Additional Translations
Vincent's Word Studies

Decree (δόγμα)

Wyc., mandment. From δοκέω, to think. Hence, strictly, a personal opinion; and, as the opinion of one who can impose his opinion authoritatively on others, a decree.

The world (τὴν οἰκουμένην)

Lit., the inhabited (land). The phrase was originally used by the Greeks to denote the land inhabited by themselves, in contrast with barbarian countries; afterward, when the Greeks became subject to the Romans, the entire Roman world; still later, for the whole inhabited world. In the New Testament this latter is the more common usage, though, in some cases, this is conceived in the mould of the Roman empire, as in this passage, Acts 11:28; Acts 19:27. Christ uses it in the announcement that the Gospel shall be preached in all the world (Matthew 24:14); and Paul in the prediction of a general judgment (Acts 17:31). Once it is used of the world to come (Hebrews 2:5).

Be taxed (ἀπογράφεσθαι)

The word means properly to register or enter in a list. Commentators are divided as to whether it refers to an enrolment for taxation, or for ascertaining the population. Rev., enrolled, which may be taken in either sense.

Luke 2:1 Parallel Commentaries
Augustus Caesar Census Cesar Decree Earth Edict Empire Enrolled Entire Forth Habitable Inhabited Issued Order Registration Roman Taxed Time Whole WorldAugustus Caesar Census Cesar Decree Earth Edict Empire Enrolled Entire Forth Habitable Inhabited Issued Order Registration Roman Taxed Time Whole WorldThe ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

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