And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

LUKE 2:3KJV
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Luke 2:3 (KJV)

What does Luke 2:3 mean?

Luke 2:3 describes how everyone in the Roman Empire was required to travel to their own ancestral town to be registered for a census and taxation. This verse sets the scene for why so many people, including Joseph and Mary, were on the move at this time.

The verse is part of the account of Jesus’s birth, written by Luke. The Roman authorities had ordered a census, which meant people had to return to the city of their family origins. This explains why Joseph, who was from the family line of David, had to leave Nazareth and go to Bethlehem, fulfilling ancient prophecies about the Messiah’s birthplace.

The Greek behind Luke 2:3

  • The word translated as “taxed” is ἀπογράφεσθαι (apographesthai), which means to be registered or enrolled, often for a census. The Greek here suggests an official registration, not just a tax payment, highlighting the administrative control of Rome.
  • The phrase “his own city” uses ἰδίαν πόλιν (idian polin), meaning each person’s ancestral or family town. This detail shows that people were not just counted where they lived, but had to return to their family’s original home, which could be far away.

Why Luke 2:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies why Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem rather than their hometown of Nazareth, connecting the story to Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s birthplace.
  • The mention of everyone traveling to their own city highlights the disruption and difficulty caused by the Roman census, giving context to the crowded conditions in Bethlehem.
  • Understanding the official nature of the registration helps explain the historical setting and the reach of Roman authority over the people of Judea at the time.

Where else these words appear

“taxed” Greek G583 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
  • Luke 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
  • Hebrews 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

“one” Greek G1538 · used in 78 verses

  • Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
  • Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
  • Galatians 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

“own” Greek G2398 · used in 109 verses

  • Matthew 9:1 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
  • John 19:27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
  • Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

“went” Greek G4198 · used in 147 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 9:53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
  • Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.