### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Κυρήνιος (Kyrḗnios), Strong's `{{G2958}}`, is a proper noun, a transliteration of the Latin name "Quirinius." It refers exclusively to Publius Sulpicius Quirinius, a Roman senator who served as a governor and military commander. As a proper noun, its semantic range is singular and fixed, identifying a specific historical individual rather than conveying a broader concept or quality. Its significance is therefore primarily historical and contextual, serving to anchor biblical events within the framework of Roman imperial administration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Κυρήνιος (Kyrḗnios) appears uniquely in the New Testament in [[Luke 2:2]]. This verse states, "This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria." The mention of Quirinius is crucial for dating the birth of Jesus within a specific historical period. Luke, as a meticulous historian, frames the Nativity narrative by referencing the census decreed by Caesar Augustus, which necessitated Joseph and Mary's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. This detail serves to ground the miraculous birth of the Messiah in verifiable historical circumstances. While scholarly debate has occurred regarding the precise timing of Quirinius's governorships and the nature of the "first enrollment," Luke's inclusion of this detail underscores his intent to present the events surrounding Christ's birth as factual occurrences within a known historical timeline, thereby affirming the historicity of the Gospel account.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, Κυρήνιος (Kyrḗnios) does not have direct semantic cognates in the same way that common nouns or verbs do. However, its presence in the biblical text connects it to several significant related concepts:
* **Roman Authority:** The mention of Quirinius immediately evokes the broader context of the Roman Empire and its administrative power, including figures like Caesar Augustus and the system of provincial governance.
* **Census/Enrollment:** The "enrollment" (ἀπογραφή, apographē, related to `{{G582}}`) is the direct action associated with Quirinius, highlighting the Roman administrative practices that inadvertently fulfilled divine prophecy.
* **Historical Verification:** Luke's precise dating, including references to Roman officials and decrees, emphasizes the historical grounding of the Christian faith, distinguishing it from mythical narratives.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The fact that a Roman decree, issued for imperial purposes, inadvertently served God's redemptive plan to bring Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem for the Messiah's birth ([[Micah 5:2]]) powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over human affairs, even those of pagan rulers.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Κυρήνιος (Kyrḗnios) lies primarily in its contribution to the *historicity* of the Incarnation. By explicitly linking the birth of Jesus to a known historical figure and event—the census under Governor Quirinius—Luke underscores that the Christian faith is not founded on abstract philosophy or myth, but on concrete events that transpired in real time and space. This historical anchoring validates the Gospel narrative as an account of actual divine intervention in human history. Furthermore, the reference to Quirinius subtly highlights God's providential working through secular authorities. The Roman census, intended for imperial taxation and control, became the very means by which God orchestrated the fulfillment of prophecy, ensuring that Jesus, the Messiah, was born in Bethlehem, the city of David ([[Luke 2:4-7]]). This demonstrates God's ultimate sovereignty, even over the most powerful earthly empires, to accomplish His redemptive purposes for humanity.
### Summary
Κυρήνιος (Kyrḗnios), Strong's `{{G2958}}`, is a proper noun referring to Publius Sulpicius Quirinius, a Roman governor. Its sole appearance in [[Luke 2:2]] is pivotal, as it anchors the birth of Jesus Christ to a specific historical event—the census he administered. This precise dating by Luke underscores the historicity of the Gospel narrative, affirming that the Incarnation was a real event within human history. The mention of Quirinius also serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous providence, demonstrating how even the decrees of secular empires are orchestrated by divine will to fulfill prophetic promises and advance God's redemptive plan.