FocusSalvation and changed conduct
Connection to the wholeThe encounter displays Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost, with Zacchaeus' response taking concrete form.
interpretation Luke 19:2
KJVAnd, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
Read it in context
Zacchaeus receives Jesus
Start reading at Luke 19:1 (Luke 19:1 to Luke 19:10).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The encounter displays Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost, with Zacchaeus' response taking concrete form.
- 19:1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
- 19:2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
- 19:3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
- 19:4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
- 19:5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
- 19:6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
- 19:7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
- 19:8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
- 19:9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
- 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 19:1–19:48): Zacchaeus receives Jesus at Jericho; Jesus teaches those listening, enters Jerusalem before the crowd, and teaches in the temple while leaders seek to destroy Him. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Zacchaeus receives Jesus. Read Luke 19:1 through Luke 19:10 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The encounter displays Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost, with Zacchaeus' response taking concrete form. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account connects events with named rulers and begins before Jesus' birth, continuing through His resurrection and ascension. Those narrative dates do not themselves date composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Judea and Galilee and gives sustained attention to the journey toward Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Zacchaeus receives Jesus (Luke 19:1 to Luke 19:10). Start reading at Luke 19:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour and records His explanation that the Scriptures concern His suffering and glory. Keep this broad claim alongside the particular passages He and the narrator actually connect. See Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Attend to repentance, mercy, prayer, and faithful response. Identify who is being addressed in a parable or rebuke before applying it to someone else. interpretation
Cited: Luke 19:1, Luke 19:10, Luke 2:11, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name.
Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- and he Luke 18:24-27 2 Chr 17:5-6
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 19
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The entrusted pounds
Luke 19:11–27FocusService during the king's absence
Connection to the wholeBecause hearers expect the kingdom to appear immediately, the parable addresses faithful work and accountability during an interval.
interpretation Entry, lament, and temple action
Luke 19:28–48FocusJerusalem's visitation
Connection to the wholeJesus enters Jerusalem, weeps over its failure to recognize the time of visitation, and acts in the temple as opposition intensifies.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The births and early years
Luke 1:1–2:52FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation Ministry and discipleship
Luke 4:14–9:50FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation Jerusalem and the temple
Luke 19:28–21:38FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation Passion, resurrection, and commission
Luke 22:1–24:53FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.