A Text-Critical and Grammatical Analysis of Luke 2:2 in Codex Bezae (D05): The Interpretation of αὕτη ἐγένετο ἀπογραφὴ πρώτη
This exegetical study of Lk 2:2 αὕτη ἐγένετο ἀπογραφὴ πρώτη (D05) is based on a b-greek discussion from Wed Sep 18 08:33:50 EDT 2002. The initial contribution centered on the specific reading of Luke 2:2 as found in Codex Bezae (D05). Recognizing the complex and sensitive nature of this passage, the discussion aimed to circumvent broader historical, theological, or text-critical debates that have frequently accompanied its interpretation. Instead, the explicit goal was to focus rigorously on the grammatical factors inherent in D05’s rendering, striving to understand its legitimate semantic possibilities.
The main exegetical issue under examination is the unique word order and grammatical function of the clause αὕτη ἐγένετο ἀπογραφὴ πρώτη in Codex Bezae, particularly how the verb ἐγένετο and the adjective πρώτη operate within this construction, and how this clause relates to the subsequent genitive absolute ἡγεμονεύοντος τῆς Συρίας Κυρηνίου. This specific arrangement in D05 presents challenges for discerning whether Luke is stating a simple historical fact, characterizing a type of event, or making a chronological distinction, thereby directly impacting the understanding of the census described.
Greek text (Nestle 1904)
αὕτη ἀπογραφὴ πρώτη ἐγένετο ἡγεμονεύοντος τῆς Συρίας Κυρηνίου.
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- The SBLGNT (2010) text for Luke 2:2 is identical to the Nestle 1904 edition: αὕτη ἀπογραφὴ πρώτη ἐγένετο ἡγεμονεύοντος τῆς Συρίας Κυρηνίου. There are no significant textual differences in the main text of this verse between these two editions.
Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes (BDAG)
The critical text, represented by NA28, reads αὕτη ἀπογραφὴ πρώτη ἐγένετο ἡγεμονεύοντος τῆς Συρίας Κυρηνίου. Codex Bezae (D05) presents a notable variant in word order: αὕτη ἐγένετο ἀπογραφὴ πρώτη. This rearrangement places the verb ἐγένετο earlier in the clause, immediately after the demonstrative pronoun αὕτη and before the noun phrase ἀπογραφὴ πρώτη. The NA28 apparatus duly records this variant reading from D05, highlighting its distinctiveness compared to the consensus text.
Lexical analysis of key terms further informs the exegetical possibilities:
- ἀπογραφή: According to BDAG, this is an “administrative term ‘list, inventory’ of the statistical reports and declarations of citizens for the purpose of completing the tax lists and family registers.” In Luke 2:2, it specifically refers to “census, registration, of the census taken by Quirinius.” BDAG also acknowledges the chronological difficulties associated with this census, though these fall outside the grammatical focus of this study.
- ἐγένετο (from γίνομαι): The precise function of this aorist verb is a central point of discussion. While BDAG notes an existential sense (#8) for γίνομαι (“to come into being, to be, to happen”), its use as a simple copula linking a subject to a predicate noun (equivalent to an aorist of εἰμί, “to be”) is debated. Initial hesitation was expressed regarding its function as a straightforward copula in D05. However, it was later affirmed that interpreting ἐγένετο as “proved to be” or “turned out to be” is grammatically defensible, citing a similar usage in Thucydides 1.55.2 where αἰτία δὲ αὕτη πρώτη ἐγένετο τοῦ πολέμου means “And this turned out to be the primary catalyst of the war.” This interpretation allows ἐγένετο to link the subject to a predicate while conveying a sense of development or result.
- πρώτη: This adjective typically means “first.” However, in Hellenistic Greek, πρῶτος can sometimes be used in place of πρότερος, meaning “earlier.” If understood as “earlier,” it might imply the existence of a subsequent, commonly known registration. In D05’s word order (ἀπογραφὴ πρώτη), πρώτη functions attributively to ἀπογραφὴ, rendering it “a first/earlier registration,” rather than adverbially (“first took place”) which might be suggested by the critical text’s word order (ἀπογραφὴ πρώτη ἐγένετο).
Translation Variants
The unique word order of D05, αὕτη ἐγένετο ἀπογραφὴ πρώτη ἡγεμονεύοντος τῆς Συρίας Κυρηνίου, compels a careful grammatical and rhetorical analysis to discern Luke’s intended meaning. Each element contributes to distinct interpretative possibilities:
The demonstrative pronoun αὕτη (feminine singular nominative) unequivocally refers to the census mentioned, functioning as the subject of the clause (“This” registration). Its position and the absence of a definite article confirm its pronominal role rather than an adjectival one modifying an explicit noun (which would typically be αὕτη ἡ ἀπογραφὴ).
The verb ἐγένετο, following αὕτη, takes on a significant role. While its function as a simple copula (equivalent to “was”) is questioned, the interpretation of “proved to be” or “turned out to be” becomes a strong candidate. This nuance suggests that Luke is not merely stating a fact but characterizing the nature or outcome of this particular census: it became, or was recognized as, a first registration. This rhetorical choice might underscore the historical significance or the unique nature of the event.
The phrase ἀπογραφὴ πρώτη functions as the predicate nominative. Given D05’s word order, πρώτη is clearly attributive to ἀπογραφὴ, modifying it as “a first registration” or “an earlier registration.” This contrasts with potential interpretations in other manuscripts where πρώτη could be understood adverbially, as in “the registration first took place.” The attributive use here emphasizes the *quality* of being “first” or “earlier” applied to the registration itself.
The genitive absolute clause, ἡγεμονεύοντος τῆς Συρίας Κυρηνίου (“Quirinius governing Syria”), typically indicates a temporal circumstance, providing the background or time frame for the main clause. The standard interpretation sees it as “when Quirinius was governing Syria.” However, alternative interpretations have been proposed:
- One alternative, though grammatically less probable due to the participle’s form and lack of an article, suggests a possessive genitive: “a first registration of (the one) governing Syria, Quirinius.” This would imply a connection to Quirinius’s administration but is generally dismissed.
- Another, more substantial, alternative posits that the genitive absolute could be complementary to πρώτη, particularly if πρώτη is understood as πρότερος (“earlier”) and carrying prepositional force. This would yield a sense of “prior to Quirinius governing Syria,” aiming to reconcile historical challenges related to the timing of Quirinius’s governorship.
- A distinct rhetorical interpretation suggests that the genitive absolute serves to classify or describe the kind of registration. In this view, Luke is referencing a familiar event (Quirinius’s later census) to characterize the *nature* of the earlier one for his audience (Theophilus). It implies a “Quirinius-governing-Syria kind of registering,” effectively using a later, known event as a descriptive analogy for the earlier one. This addresses chronological difficulties by stating the *first* census (Joseph’s) was *like* the later, well-known census under Quirinius.
The interplay of ἐγένετο as “proved to be” and the various readings of the genitive absolute are crucial. If ἐγένετο implies characterization or outcome, and the genitive absolute provides temporal context, then the “first” refers to the chronological order of the census. If the genitive absolute is classificatory, then the “first” refers to the initial occurrence, with the later event serving as a descriptive model.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The distinct textual form of Luke 2:2 in Codex Bezae, particularly the word order αὕτη ἐγένετο ἀπογραφὴ πρώτη, shifts the grammatical emphasis compared to the critical text. The interpretation of ἐγένετο as “proved to be” or “turned out to be” enhances the statement beyond a mere factual assertion, suggesting an assessment or characterization of the event’s significance. Furthermore, the attributive nature of πρώτη to ἀπογραφὴ solidifies “first registration” as the core concept, leaving the chronological relationship to the genitive absolute for nuanced interpretation.
Based on the grammatical analysis of D05’s reading, three plausible translation suggestions emerge, each reflecting a specific exegetical choice:
-
This proved to be a first registration, while Quirinius was governing Syria.
Explanation: This translation interprets ἐγένετο as “proved to be,” conveying a sense of historical significance or outcome. πρώτη is understood as an attributive “first,” and the genitive absolute is taken as a standard temporal reference, indicating the period during which this “first” registration occurred. -
This was the first registration, of the kind that occurred when Quirinius was governing Syria.
Explanation: This rendering emphasizes the classificatory aspect of the genitive absolute, suggesting that the event is being characterized by analogy to a known later event under Quirinius. ἐγένετο is understood as a simple copula (“was”), and πρώτη as “first,” referring to the initial occurrence. -
This registration was the earlier one, taking place prior to Quirinius governing Syria.
Explanation: This translation understands πρώτη as “earlier” (equivalent to πρότερος) and interprets the genitive absolute as indicating a time preceding Quirinius’s governorship. ἐγένετο is here a simple copula, supporting a chronological distinction between multiple censuses.