Lexical Summary apographó: To enroll, to register, to write off Original Word: ἀπογράφω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance tax, register, enroll From apo and grapho; to write off (a copy or list), i.e. Enrol -- tax, write. see GREEK apo see GREEK grapho NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and graphó Definition to copy, enroll NASB Translation census be taken (1), enrolled (1), register (1), register for the census (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 583: ἀπογράφωἀπογράφω: middle (present infinitive ἀπογράφεσθαι); 1 aorist infinitive ἀπογράψασθαι; (perfect passive participle ἀπογεγραμμενος; from Herodotus down); a. to write off, copy (from some pattern). b. to enter in a register or records; specifically, to enter in the public records the names of men, their property and income, to enroll (cf. ἀπογραφή, b.); middle to have oneself registered, to enroll oneself (Winer's Grammar, § 38, 3): Luke 2:1, 3, 5; passive οἱ ἐν οὐρανοῖς ἀπογεγράμμενοι those whose names are inscribed in the heavenly register, Hebrews 12:23 (the reference is to the dead already received into the heavenly city, the figure being drawn from civil communities on earth, whose citizens are enrolled in a register). Strong’s Greek 583 points to the act of enrolling or registering names. The verb appears only four times in the New Testament and always marks a decisive act of official record—whether by earthly authorities conducting a census or by God Himself inscribing the redeemed in heaven. Historical and Cultural Background In the Greco-Roman world, governments maintained systematic lists of citizens, property, and taxable persons. Enrollments were normally ordered by imperial decree and carried legal weight. Luke’s opening narrative situates Jesus Christ’s birth within such an enrollment under Caesar Augustus, grounding the gospel account in verifiable history and illustrating how God steers earthly powers to accomplish prophetic purposes. Occurrences in Scripture Luke 2:1 sets the scene: “Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire.” Luke 2:3 records the compliance: “And everyone went to his own town to register.” Luke 2:5 shows Joseph obeying: “He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child.” Hebrews 12:23 lifts the thought heavenward: “to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven.” Theological Themes 1. Sovereign Orchestration The Roman census forced Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, fulfilling Micah 5:2. What seemed a routine governmental edict moved salvation history forward. The same verb later describes God’s heavenly roll, revealing that every earthly record is subordinate to His eternal decree. 2. Legitimate Humanity and Historicity Luke’s careful mention of enrollment affirms Jesus Christ’s genuine birth in time and space. Christianity rests not on myth but on events anchored in official archives. 3. Heavenly Citizenship Hebrews 12:23 transfers the concept from Rome’s ledgers to God’s. Believers are “enrolled in heaven,” giving legal-style assurance of their eternal status. The assembly is not provisional; it is duly recorded by divine authority. Links to the Old Testament Record Books The notion of an honored register echoes Exodus 32:32-33, Psalm 69:28, Isaiah 4:3, and Daniel 12:1, where the righteous are listed in a future book. The New Testament usage ties those promises to believers who are united to Christ, supplying continuity between covenants. Christological Implications Caesar’s census magnified Rome’s claim to universal lordship, yet it unwittingly ushered in the true King. Luke’s deliberate repetition of the verb underscores the contrast: the world counts subjects for taxation, but God counts sons and daughters for redemption. Jesus Christ enters the scene amid worldly registration, later securing heavenly registration for His people through the cross and resurrection. Ecclesiological and Pastoral Applications • Assurance of Salvation: Pastors may draw on Hebrews 12:23 to assure believers that their names are not written in pencil but in the immutable record of heaven. • Church Membership: While local church rolls are imperfect, they echo the greater reality of God’s enrollment. Wise shepherds treat membership seriously, reflecting the gravity of the heavenly list. • Mission and Evangelism: The census motif reminds the church that God still gathers people from every nation. Evangelism participates in filling the heavenly registry. Eschatological Hope Because names are “enrolled in heaven,” believers anticipate Revelation 21:27, where only those “written in the Lamb’s Book of Life” enter the New Jerusalem. The term thus links present faith to future glory, anchoring hope in God’s unalterable record. Practical Ministry Considerations 1. Teaching the Incarnation: Emphasize how a mundane census became the setting for the miraculous birth, demonstrating God’s providence in ordinary events. 2. Discipleship: Encourage believers to live as registered citizens of heaven, displaying loyalty that surpasses earthly allegiance. 3. Worship: Let congregational gatherings echo the “assembly of the firstborn,” fostering a sense of belonging to a recorded, redeemed community. 4. Ethical Accountability: An official record implies responsibility. Likewise, heavenly enrollment calls Christians to holiness, “for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29). Conclusion Strong’s 583 frames a powerful contrast: earthly rulers record subjects for tribute, yet the Lord records saints for eternal inheritance. Whether marking the circumstances of Christ’s birth or assuring believers of their imperishable status, the term proclaims that God keeps perfect books—and every name He writes is secure forever. Englishman's Concordance Luke 2:1 V-PNM/PGRK: Καίσαρος Αὐγούστου ἀπογράφεσθαι πᾶσαν τὴν NAS: Augustus, that a census be taken of all KJV: that all the world should be taxed. INT: Ceasar Augustus that should be registered all the Luke 2:3 V-PNM/P Luke 2:5 V-ANM Hebrews 12:23 V-RPM/P-GMP Strong's Greek 583 |
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