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Cyrenius

historical_person theological_term standard

Cyrenius is an older English and Latinized form of Quirinius, the Roman official named in Luke 2:2 in connection with the census at the time of Jesus’ birth.

At a Glance

Roman official associated with the census in Luke 2:2.

Key Points

Description

Cyrenius is an older English and Latinized form of Quirinius, the Roman official named in Luke 2:2 in connection with the census during the time of Jesus’ birth. In Scripture, the name functions as part of Luke’s historical setting rather than as a separate theological concept. The passage has generated discussion because readers have tried to relate Luke’s wording to Roman administrative history and chronology, but the entry itself is best treated as a proper historical name. For dictionary purposes, it should be classified as a historical person/name entry rather than as a theological term.

Biblical Context

Luke introduces Cyrenius/Quirinius as part of the setting for Jesus’ birth, connecting the census with Joseph and Mary’s journey. The name helps locate the event in real-world history, even though the verse itself is not teaching a doctrine.

Historical Context

Quirinius was a Roman official associated with Syria and census administration. Luke 2:2 has long been discussed in connection with Roman provincial records and the chronology of Jesus’ birth, so the name is important for historical context.

Jewish and Ancient Context

A Roman census would have been significant in Judea because it affected taxation, administration, and public life under imperial rule. That setting helps explain why Luke mentions the official responsible for the census.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

The name is commonly connected with the Greek form Κυρήνιος (Kyrēnios), rendered in older English Bibles as Cyrenius and in modern usage as Quirinius.

Theological Significance

Cyrenius has no independent doctrinal meaning, but the name contributes to Luke’s claim that the gospel events occurred in real history.

Philosophical Explanation

This is a historical referent, not an abstract theological category. Its significance lies in the relationship between historical reporting and biblical reliability.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not turn the name itself into a doctrine. The verse has prompted chronology debates, so it should be handled carefully and without speculative harmonizations or skeptical overreach.

Major Views

Interpreters generally agree that Luke refers to a real Roman official. They differ on how to understand the census chronology in relation to known Roman history.

Doctrinal Boundaries

The entry should not be used to deny Luke’s reliability or to build a doctrine from census chronology. It simply identifies a historical figure in the nativity narrative.

Practical Significance

Cyrenius reminds readers that the birth of Christ is set within ordinary history, not myth. It also encourages careful reading of Scripture in its historical context.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Cyrenius

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