Quirinius
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Quirinius in the Bible?
Quirinius is identified in Luke 2:2 as the governor of Syria who conducted a census of Judea during the reign of Augustus.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Quirinius's historical role as a Roman administrator clarifies the political context of the census mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, helping readers distinguish between the census of Quirinius in 6 CE and the earlier birth narrative of Jesus.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Quirinius reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Quirinius in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Quirinius clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Luke 2:2
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
"Quirinius." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/quirinius/