Bible Dictionary
Census
A census was an official numbering of people or households. Scripture records several Israelite censuses and a Roman enrollment during Jesus’ birth.
Definition
A census was an official numbering of people or households. Scripture records enumerations of Israel, foreign residents, returned exiles, and a Roman enrollment during the time of Jesus’ birth.
Biblical Usage
Israel was numbered after the Exodus, before entering Canaan, during David’s reign, and after the Exile. Solomon numbered foreign workers, and the Roman government conducted an enrollment during the Lord’s birth.
Historical Background
The recorded censuses served purposes of military, administrative, labor, communal, or imperial enrollment. Their totals and circumstances differ according to the population counted.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
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 TAXING.)
Smith's Bible Dictionary
[Taxing]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>sen'-sus.</p><p>See DAVID; QUIRINIUS.</p>