Overview
The Bible addresses census across 8 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Exodus and Luke. Closely related themes include Tax, Tribute, Atonement and Money.
Key Bible verses about census
Old Testament
Exodus
When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the LORD, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them. their number: Heb. them that are to be numbered
This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel is twenty gerahs:) an half shekel shall be the offering of the LORD.
Every one that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering unto the LORD.
The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls. give more: Heb. multiply give less: Heb. diminish
And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shalt appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unto the children of Israel before the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.
New Testament
In the Bible dictionary
Studying census for yourself
- Begin with Exodus 30:12, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Exodus and Luke each treat the theme.
- Widen the study to related themes: Tax, Tribute, Atonement and Money.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about census?
The Bible addresses census across 8 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Exodus and Luke. Closely related themes include Tax, Tribute, Atonement and Money.
How many Bible verses are about census?
The Bible references census in 8 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention census?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Exodus 30:12: “When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the LORD, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them. their number: Heb. them that are to be numbered”
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