### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **apográphō**, represented by `{{G583}}`, means **to write off (a copy or list), i.e. enrol**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The term carries the dual meaning of being enrolled in a civil registry, often for taxation, and being spiritually recorded or written down.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G583}}` appears prominently in the narrative of Christ's birth. A decree `{{G1378}}` from Caesar Augustus `{{G828}}` commanded that all the world `{{G3625}}` should be **taxed** [[Luke 2:1]]. This census required all to go to their own city to be **taxed**, or enrolled [[Luke 2:3]], which is why Mary `{{G3137}}` and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem [[Luke 2:5]]. In contrast, the word is also used in a spiritual sense to describe the members of the church `{{G1577}}` of the firstborn `{{G4416}}` who are **written** in heaven `{{G3772}}` [[Hebrews 12:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G583}}` is used:
* `{{G1378}}` **dógma** (a law (civil, ceremonial or ecclesiastical):--decree, ordinance): This word signifies the official order from Caesar Augustus that initiated the census where people were **taxed** `{{G583}}` [[Luke 2:1]].
* `{{G3625}}` **oikouménē** (land, i.e. the (terrene part of the) globe; specially, the Roman empire:--earth, world): This term defines the vast scope of the Roman decree, encompassing the known world that was to be **taxed** `{{G583}}` [[Luke 2:1]].
* `{{G4416}}` **prōtótokos** (first-born (usually as noun, literally or figuratively):--firstbegotten(-born)): This identifies the specific group of believers who are spiritually **written** `{{G583}}` in heaven [[Hebrews 12:23]].
* `{{G3772}}` **ouranós** (the sky; by extension, heaven): This specifies the location of the divine registration, distinguishing the earthly enrollment of the census from the heavenly one for believers [[Hebrews 12:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G583}}` is rooted in its contrasting applications:
* **Civil Enrollment:** The use of `{{G583}}` in Luke's Gospel grounds the nativity story in a specific historical event. The Roman decree to be **taxed** [[Luke 2:1]] serves as the catalyst that fulfills prophecy by bringing Mary `{{G3137}}` to the city `{{G4172}}` of David for the birth of the Saviour [[Luke 2:11]].
* **Heavenly Citizenship:** In Hebrews, the concept is elevated from an earthly census to a divine one. The firstborn `{{G4416}}` are **written** `{{G583}}` in heaven, signifying their secure place in the "general assembly `{{G3831}}` and church `{{G1577}}`" and their standing before God `{{G2316}}` the Judge `{{G2923}}` of all [[Hebrews 12:23]].
* **Earthly vs. Divine Registration:** The dual usage highlights the difference between temporary, earthly authority and eternal, heavenly security. While Caesar `{{G2541}}` can enroll citizens for a tax, God enrolls the spirits `{{G4151}}` of just men `{{G1342}}` in a permanent record.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G583}}` is a word that operates on two distinct levels. It describes the literal, historical act of being enrolled in a Roman census for the purpose of being **taxed** [[Luke 2:1]], an event central to the nativity narrative. Simultaneously, it carries the profound theological weight of being **written** in heaven, signifying a believer's eternal citizenship in God's kingdom [[Hebrews 12:23]]. This demonstrates how a simple administrative term can be used to distinguish between the fleeting records of man and the permanent records of God.
TRV