Definition
Quirinius, a Roman name, refers to Publius Sulpicius Quirinius, a historical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke. He is noted for his role as a Roman governor who conducted a census during the time of Jesus’ birth.
Various Translations
In the King James Version of the Bible, the name is rendered as “Cyrenius”, a transliteration of the Greek Κυρήνιος. Other translations, such as the New International Version and the English Standard Version, use “Quirinius”, aligning more closely with the historical Roman name.
Etymology
Κυρήνιος, or Quirinius, is a Greek rendition of a Roman name. There is no Hebrew equivalent as the name is specific to the Greco-Roman context of the New Testament.
Grammatical Analysis of the English word
In English, “Quirinius” functions as a proper noun, specifically a personal name. It follows the standard rules of capitalization for names and does not vary in form.
Grammatical Analysis (of the original Greek word)
In Greek, Κυρήνιος is a proper noun, following the rules of Greek grammar for names. It is a masculine noun, and as a proper name, it remains constant in form regardless of its grammatical role in a sentence.
Syntax
As a proper noun, Quirinius is typically used as the subject or object in a sentence. Its syntactical use does not affect the overall sentence structure significantly.
Biblical Occurrences in the New Testament
Luke 2:2: “This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.”
Biblical Occurrences in the Old Testament
Linguistic Variations
The primary variation is between “Quirinius” (most modern translations) and “Cyrenius” (King James Version), reflecting changes in transliteration standards over time.
Intertextual Connections
Quirinius’s mention connects the narrative of Jesus’ birth to the broader context of Roman history and governance, illustrating the intersection of the sacred and secular histories.
Commentary and Exegesis
The mention of Quirinius is significant for Biblical scholars in dating the Nativity story. This reference to a Roman official helps to situate the birth of Jesus within a specific historical and political context, providing a tangible link between the Biblical narrative and documented Roman history. However, it has been a point of discussion among scholars due to the challenges it poses for chronological alignment with other historical events.
Historical Context
Publius Sulpicius Quirinius was a Roman aristocrat who served as the Legate of Syria around 6-7 AD. His tenure is historically significant as it coincides with a period of Roman administrative reforms and census-taking in the provinces, including Judea. This historical context is pivotal in understanding the backdrop against which the Gospel narratives unfold.
Biblical Narrative Analysis
In the Gospel of Luke, Quirinius’ census is the reason Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah’s birth in the City of David. This narrative element serves as a crucial plot device, ensuring the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies within the New Testament story.
Theological Significance
The mention of Quirinius underscores God’s sovereignty in history, demonstrating how divine purposes are fulfilled through secular events. The census, an administrative act, becomes a tool in God’s plan for Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, fulfilling Messianic prophecies.
Practical Implications
Quirinius’ census exemplifies how individuals can be part of a larger divine plan, often unknowingly. It serves as a reminder of the intersection between the mundane and the divine, and how ordinary events can have extraordinary significance in the context of faith.
Semantic Range
The name Quirinius itself does not have a broad semantic range, being a proper noun. However, its usage in scripture symbolizes the interplay of historical and spiritual narratives.
Symbolic and Allegorical Interpretations
Allegorically, Quirinius’ role can be seen as representative of worldly authority and power, juxtaposed with the divine authority embodied in the birth of Jesus. His character symbolizes the wider Roman world, into which Christianity would eventually spread.
References
Brown, R. E. (1993). The Birth of the Messiah: A Commentary on the Infancy Narratives in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Doubleday.
Fitzmyer, J. A. (1981). The Gospel According to Luke I-IX. Doubleday.
Meier, J. P. (1991). A Marginal Jew: Rethinking the Historical Jesus. Yale University Press.
Wright, N. T. (1992). The New Testament and the People of God. Fortress Press.