Bible Dictionary

Census

An official counting or enumeration of people or other members of a population.

Quick Reference

Total Entries

368

Entry Position

68 of 368

Letter

C

Meaning

An official counting or enumeration of people or other members of a population.

Key Scriptures

  • Exodus 30:11-16
  • Numbers 1:1-46
  • Numbers 26:1-51
  • 2 Samuel 24:1-17
  • 1 Chronicles 21:1-17
  • 1 Chronicles 23:24-27
  • 1 Chronicles 27:23-24
  • Ezra 2:1-70
  • Nehemiah 7:5-73
  • Luke 2:1-5
  • Acts 5:36-37

Also Called

numbering enumeration

Original Language

Hebrew

פָּקַד

paqad

to number; appoint; muster; attend to

Greek

ἀπογραφή

apographē

registration; census; enrollment

Meaning

A census is an official counting or enumeration of people or other members of a population.

Biblical Usage

In Scripture, a census is a formal counting of people, households, or other persons for an appointed purpose.

Biblical censuses were conducted for purposes such as organizing Israel, military service, taxation, or determining the number of people belonging to a tribe or household.

Key References

  • Exodus 30:11-16
  • Numbers 1:1-46
  • Numbers 26:1-51
  • 2 Samuel 24:1-17
  • 1 Chronicles 21:1-17
  • 1 Chronicles 23:24-27
  • Ezra 2:1-70
  • Nehemiah 7:5-73
  • Luke 2:1-5
  • Acts 5:36-37
  • Number
  • Tribe
  • Congregation
  • Family
  • People
  • Register

Study More

Continue your Bible study by exploring related Scriptures, dictionary terms, and connected topics.

Scriptures

  • Exodus 30:11-16
  • Numbers 1:1-46
  • Numbers 26:1-51
  • 2 Samuel 24:1-17
  • 1 Chronicles 21:1-17
  • 1 Chronicles 23:24-27
  • 1 Chronicles 27:23-24
  • Ezra 2:1-70
  • Nehemiah 7:5-73
  • Luke 2:1-5
  • Acts 5:36-37

Related Terms

number tribe congregation family people

Study Topics