Census

Census - (Easton's Bible Dictionary)

There are five instances of a census of the Jewish people having been taken. (1.) In the fourth month after the Exodus, when the people were encamped at Sinai. The number of men from twenty years old and upward was then 603,550 (Ex. 38:26). (2.) Another census was made just before the entrance into Canaan, when the number was found to be 601,730, showing thus a small decrease (Num. 26:51). (3.) The next census was in the time of David, when the number, exclusive of the tribes of Levi and Benjamin, was found to be 1,300,000 (2 Sam. 24:9; 1 Chr. 21:5). (4.) Solomon made a census of the foreigners in the land, and found 153,600 able-bodied workmen (2 Chr. 2:17, 18). (5.) After the return from Exile the whole congregation of Israel was numbered, and found to amount to 42,360 (Ezra 2:64). A census was made by the Roman government in the time of our Lord (Luke 2:1). (See [107]TAXING.)

sen'-sus.

See DAVID; QUIRINIUS.

Definition

The term “census” refers to a formal counting of the number of people in a nation or empire.

• The Old Testament records different times when God ordered that the men of Israel be counted, such as when the Israelites first left Egypt and then again just before they entered Canaan.
• Often the purpose of a census was in order to know how many people should be paying taxes.
• For example, one time in Exodus the Israelite men were counted so that each one would pay a half shekel for taking care of the temple.
• When Jesus was a baby, the Roman government did a census to count all the people who lived throughout their empire, to require them to pay taxes.

Translation Suggestions

• Possible ways to translate this term could include, “name counting” or “list of names” or “enrollment.”
• The phrase “take a census” could be translated as “register people’s names” or “enroll people” or “write down people’s names.”

(See also: nation, Rome)

Bible References

• Acts 5:37
• Exodus 30:12
• Exodus 38:26
• Luke 2:3
• Numbers 4:1-4

Word Data

• Strong’s: H3789, H5674, H5921, H6485, H7218, G05820, G05830