Census
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Census in the Bible?
A census refers to an official count of a population, notably appearing in biblical narratives through the census ordered by King David and the registration conducted by Quirinius in Judea.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing these historical population counts illuminates the administrative realities of ancient Israel and the Roman Empire, offering essential context for interpreting the demographic and political settings within biblical texts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Census. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Census in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Census clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Census." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/census/