Luke 19:1

KJV

¶ And [Jesus] entered and passed through Jericho.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus entered {G1525} and passed through {G1330} Jericho {G2410}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua entered Yericho and was passing through,

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through.

American Standard Version

And he entered and was passing through Jericho.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:1 serves as a concise yet profoundly significant geographical and narrative marker within the Gospel of Luke, declaring, "And [Jesus] entered and passed through Jericho." This seemingly simple statement sets the immediate stage for one of the New Testament's most celebrated accounts of divine encounter and personal transformation, signaling Jesus' purposeful progression towards Jerusalem and the culmination of His redemptive mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Luke's extensive "travel narrative" (Luke 9:51-19:27), which meticulously chronicles Jesus' resolute journey from Galilee towards Jerusalem. Luke 19:1 marks the final major city Jesus passes through before His triumphal entry into the capital. It immediately precedes the pivotal story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:2-10), a narrative that beautifully illustrates Jesus' mission to "seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10). Following this, the Parable of the Minas (Luke 19:11-27) is recounted, further emphasizing themes of accountability and the coming kingdom, all unfolding directly from Jesus' presence in Jericho. Thus, Luke 19:1 acts as a vital narrative hinge, transitioning the reader from the broader journey to the specific, impactful events about to transpire.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jericho, often referred to as "the city of palms," was an ancient and historically rich city located in the Jordan Valley, approximately 15 miles northeast of Jerusalem. Its strategic position made it a crucial gateway to the Judean hills and Jerusalem, and a significant customs point. In Jesus' day, it was a thriving, wealthy city, known for its agricultural produce, particularly balsam, and its winter resort status for the elite. This prosperity attracted various individuals, including tax collectors, who would have profited from the trade routes. Historically, Jericho held immense significance from Old Testament times, most famously as the first city conquered by the Israelites upon entering the Promised Land, whose walls miraculously fell at God's command under Joshua's leadership, as recorded in [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua's Conquest of Jericho"). This rich history imbues Jesus' entry with a layered meaning, connecting His redemptive journey to God's past acts of salvation and judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 19:1 introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the chapter and the broader Gospel. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Intent and Purpose**, highlighting that Jesus' movement through Jericho is not accidental but a deliberate step in His journey to fulfill His messianic mission. This aligns with His resolute decision to go to Jerusalem, as noted in [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Accessibility of Christ**. By entering and passing through a bustling city like Jericho, Jesus makes Himself available to a diverse populace, including those on the margins of society, like the blind beggar Bartimaeus (Luke 18:35-43) and later, Zacchaeus. This act signifies God's willingness to draw near to humanity, embodying the very essence of the incarnation where God "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Finally, Luke 19:1 serves as a crucial **Narrative Catalyst**, setting the immediate stage for the dramatic and transformative encounter with [Zacchaeus](/luke/19-2 "Luke 19:2 - Zacchaeus, the Chief Tax Collector"), the chief tax collector, and the subsequent Parable of the Minas ([Luke 19:12-27](/luke/19-12-27 "The Parable of the Minas")), both of which are direct consequences of Jesus' entry into this particular city.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **entered (Greek, _eisérchomai'_):** From G1525, meaning "to come in, into" or "to go in, through." This word signifies an intentional arrival and penetration into a place. While it can be literal, it also carries the nuance of purposeful engagement. Jesus did not merely pass by Jericho; He deliberately "entered" it, indicating a direct and active presence within the city's confines. This choice of word highlights His proactive pursuit of His mission and the people within.
* **passed through (Greek, _diérchomai'_):** From G1330, meaning "to traverse," "to go through," or "to travel through." This term implies a journey or transit that extends beyond the point of entry, suggesting a specific destination or purpose that lies further on. Coupled with "entered," it indicates that while Jesus came into Jericho, His ultimate journey was continuing. He was not settling there but was in transit, yet His passage was significant enough to allow for profound interactions along the way.
* **Jericho (Greek, _Hierichṓ'_):** From G2410, referring to the city of Jericho. This specific geographical mention is crucial. Jericho was not just any city; it was a place with deep historical roots in Israel's narrative, a hub of commerce, and a city known for its wealth and, by extension, its potential for corruption (due to tax collection). Naming Jericho grounds the divine encounter in a tangible, recognizable location, emphasizing that Jesus' ministry was not abstract but deeply embedded in the real, often complex, lives of people in specific places.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [Jesus] entered":** This clause emphasizes Jesus' deliberate and active arrival into the city. It is not a casual visit but a purposeful penetration into the urban landscape. The implied subject, Jesus, underscores His divine initiative in bringing His presence and mission directly to the inhabitants of Jericho. This entry is the prerequisite for the transformative events that follow.
* **"and passed through Jericho":** This second clause clarifies the nature of Jesus' presence. He entered, but He also continued His movement *through* the city. This signifies that Jericho was a point on a larger journey, specifically His final ascent to Jerusalem. However, the act of "passing through" does not imply a hurried or indifferent transit. Rather, it suggests a journey that allows for engagement and interaction along the way, making the city a temporary but significant stage for His ministry before moving on to His ultimate destination.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 19:1, despite its brevity, employs several effective **Literary Devices**. Its **Conciseness** is striking; in just a few words, it conveys a significant shift in location and narrative progression. This brevity, however, is pregnant with meaning, inviting the reader to consider the implications of Jesus' presence in this particular city. The verse functions primarily as a **Geographical Marker**, precisely locating Jesus' journey and signaling His proximity to Jerusalem. This precise geographical detail grounds the spiritual narrative in a tangible, historical reality. Furthermore, it acts as a powerful **Foreshadowing** or **Prolepsis**, subtly hinting at the momentous events about to unfold. The mere mention of Jesus entering Jericho immediately sets the stage for the dramatic encounter with Zacchaeus and the subsequent parable, making the verse a crucial **Narrative Transition** that moves the story forward from the general travelogue to specific, impactful interactions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 19:1 is far more than a simple geographical update; it is a profound theological statement about God's active engagement with humanity. Jesus' deliberate entry into and passage through Jericho underscores the divine initiative in salvation—God does not wait for humanity to come to Him, but actively seeks out individuals in their specific contexts, even in places that might be considered ordinary or, in Jericho's case, historically complex and economically charged. This verse highlights the truth that no place or person is beyond the reach of God's redemptive purpose. It demonstrates Jesus' unwavering commitment to His mission to seek and save the lost, transforming mundane locations into sacred spaces of divine encounter and personal transformation. The very act of His presence in Jericho signifies the breaking down of barriers, making God's grace accessible to all who would receive it, regardless of their social standing or past.

* [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")
* [Joshua 6:20](/joshua/6-20 "The Fall of Jericho")
* [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "The Son of Man Came to Seek and to Save the Lost")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 19:1 offers a powerful reminder that God is actively at work in the seemingly ordinary pathways of our lives. Just as Jesus purposefully entered and passed through Jericho, He is present and moving through our own "Jerichos"—our daily routines, our workplaces, our communities, and even the challenging or overlooked corners of our existence. This verse invites us to cultivate a posture of expectancy, recognizing that divine encounters and transformative moments are not confined to sacred spaces but can unfold in the most unexpected and mundane settings. It challenges us to be attentive to God's presence and activity around us, to be open to the opportunities He presents for personal growth, service, and witness. Our lives, like Jesus' journey, are purposeful, and every step, every "passing through," can be an occasion for God's grace to intersect with our reality, bringing about profound change and revealing His ongoing mission to seek and to save.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where are the "Jerichos" in my life today—the ordinary, perhaps overlooked places or routines—where I might expect God to be at work?**
* **How does Jesus' intentional movement and accessibility in Jericho challenge my own passive or isolated approach to spiritual opportunities or community engagement?**
* **What transformative encounters or divine appointments might God be preparing for me in my daily path, and how can I be more open to them?**

### FAQ

**Why is Jericho specifically mentioned in this passage, and what is its significance?**

Answer: Jericho is significant for several reasons. Historically, it was the first city conquered by the Israelites upon entering the Promised Land ([Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua's Conquest of Jericho")), making it a symbol of God's power and faithfulness. In Jesus' time, it was a prosperous and strategically important city, serving as a major trade and customs hub due to its location on the route to Jerusalem. This prosperity attracted various people, including wealthy individuals and tax collectors like Zacchaeus, who features prominently immediately after this verse ([Luke 19:2](/luke/19-2 "Luke 19:2 - Zacchaeus, the Chief Tax Collector")). Its mention grounds Jesus' ministry in a specific, recognizable, and historically rich context, highlighting that His mission extended to all segments of society, even those perceived as corrupt or marginalized.

**Does Jesus "passing through" Jericho imply He didn't stay long or that His visit was unimportant?**

Answer: While "passed through" (Greek: _diérchomai_) does imply a transit or a journey continuing beyond Jericho, it certainly does not mean His visit was unimportant or brief. On the contrary, Luke emphasizes that Jesus "entered" (Greek: _eisérchomai_) Jericho first, indicating a deliberate and purposeful presence. His time there was significant enough to allow for a profound encounter with Zacchaeus ([Luke 19:5](/luke/19-5 "Luke 19:5 - Jesus Calls Zacchaeus")), the chief tax collector, and to teach the Parable of the Minas ([Luke 19:11](/luke/19-11 "Luke 19:11 - The Parable of the Minas")). Thus, "passing through" highlights that Jericho was a crucial stop on His journey to Jerusalem, a stage for significant redemptive work, rather than His final destination.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 19:1, in its simple declaration of Jesus entering and passing through Jericho, powerfully foreshadows and encapsulates the broader Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' deliberate "entry" into Jericho is a microcosm of His incarnation—the divine Son of God willingly "entering" human history and the brokenness of our world, not from a distance, but by taking on human flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as He made Himself accessible to the people of Jericho, including the outcast Zacchaeus, His entire earthly ministry was characterized by drawing near to sinners, the sick, and the marginalized, demonstrating God's profound love and desire for reconciliation. His "passing through" Jericho also points to His ultimate journey to Jerusalem, where He would fulfill His mission as the Lamb of God, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). This journey culminates in His death and resurrection, through which He "passed through" the ultimate barrier of sin and death, securing salvation for all who believe. Thus, Luke 19:1 is a poignant reminder that Christ's entire life was a purposeful journey of divine condescension and redemptive transit, culminating in His atoning work that makes God's presence and salvation accessible to all humanity ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 6:1

¶ Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.

Joshua 6:27

So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was [noised] throughout all the country.

Luke 18:35

¶ And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:

1 Kings 16:34

In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest [son] Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.

Joshua 2:1

¶ And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.

2 Kings 2:18

And when they came again to him, (for he tarried at Jericho,) he said unto them, Did I not say unto you, Go not?

2 Kings 2:22

So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.