Subject: A possible translation error? (Lk 2:2) |
Bible Note: In short, it could be that the translation should read "... before Cyrenius was governor of Syria," or it could be that he had a second term of office, the first of which was within the bounds of the 8 BC lustrum. Translation seems to me most likely the problem. It's not logical to try to date an event on the governorship of another country. The 6 AD census of Cyrenius was a notable event. Jews would have remembered that because of the trouble it brought, as evidenced in Acts. But would the Jews have know, short of the political people, who was who as far as governorship goes in other parts of the country. To me, that would be like trying to write literature to Americans, dating the assassination of President Kennedy by the current ruler of Canada. I don't know who the ruler of Canada is right now! *laugh* The Queen, I guess. Hence, if it CAN be translated the alternate way, I think it's much more logical that he was using Cyrenius as a fixed point in time to relate the appropriate census. Thanks for you input and help. Theo-Minor |