ἀπογραφή (apographē)
apographē
census
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun apographē refers to a formal written registration or census record used in the ancient world. Derived from the verb meaning "to write down," it describes the official act of enrolling citizens, often for taxation purposes. In Luke 2:2, it appears in the context of Caesar Augustus ordering a survey of the inhabited earth, establishing the historical backdrop for Jesus’ birth.
Its usage extends beyond simple headcounts to include assessments of property and income, as seen in Acts 5:37 where Gamaliel references a census conducted by Judas the Galilean. The term carries legal weight, signifying an authoritative document that binds individuals to state obligations. This concrete administrative reality grounds the biblical narrative in verifiable history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apographē points to a formal written registration, a census record used in the ancient world to track citizens for taxation and legal obligations. It is not merely a headcount but an authoritative document that bound individuals to state duties. In Luke 2:2, this term anchors the birth of Jesus in verifiable history, showing that even the Messiah’s arrival was recorded by earthly powers.
Seeing God’s plan unfold through such mundane administrative acts reminds us that no detail is too small for divine attention. When Gamaliel mentions a similar enrollment in Acts 5:37, he highlights how these records shaped political loyalty and social unrest. Yet, while empires seek to control through lists, Christ transcends all earthly boundaries.
This word invites trust in God’s sovereignty over history. Whether you are navigating bureaucratic challenges or feeling lost in large systems, remember that your life is known and valued by God far more than any census taker could ever know. His care extends beyond records to the heart of every person.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- registration2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπογραφῆς1×
- ἀπογραφὴ1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 2:2
This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
This verse uses apographē to establish the precise historical timing of Jesus’ birth under Roman rule.
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Acts 5:37
After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the enrollment, and drew away some people after him. He also perished, and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad.
Here the term references a later census that sparked rebellion, illustrating the word’s political weight in early Christian discourse.