Luke 19:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when {G5613} Jesus {G2424} came {G2064} to {G1909} the place {G5117}, he looked up {G308}, and saw {G1492} him {G846}, and {G2532} said {G2036} unto {G4314} him {G846}, Zacchaeus {G2195}, make haste {G4692}, and come down {G2597}; for {G1063} to day {G4594} I {G3165} must {G1163} abide {G3306} at {G1722} thy {G4675} house {G3624}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When he came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zakkai! Hurry! Come down, because I have to stay at your house today!”

Berean Standard Bible

When Jesus came to that place, He looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down, for I must stay at your house today.”

American Standard Version

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and said unto him, Zacchæus, make haste, and come down; for to-day I must abide at thy house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:5 narrates the pivotal moment when Jesus, passing through Jericho, encounters Zacchaeus, a wealthy and despised chief tax collector. As Jesus arrives at the spot where Zacchaeus has climbed a sycomore tree to see Him, Jesus looks up, calls Zacchaeus by name, and declares His intention to stay at his house that very day. This encounter dramatically showcases Jesus's divine awareness, proactive grace, and radical inclusivity, setting the stage for Zacchaeus's profound transformation and illustrating the heart of Jesus's mission to seek and save the lost.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Luke's extensive account of Jesus's final journey to Jerusalem, a period characterized by teachings on discipleship, parables about the Kingdom of God, and encounters with various individuals. Immediately preceding [Luke 19:5](/luke/19-5 "Luke 19:5 - Jesus Calls Zacchaeus") are verses [Luke 19:1-4](/luke/19-1-4 "Luke 19:1-4 - Zacchaeus Seeks Jesus"), which introduce Zacchaeus, describe his profession as a chief tax collector, his wealth, his short stature, and his unusual method of climbing a sycomore tree to overcome the crowd and catch a glimpse of Jesus. The narrative flow highlights Zacchaeus's earnest desire to see Jesus, setting up the dramatic and unexpected divine initiative in [Luke 19:5](/luke/19-5 "Luke 19:5 - Jesus Calls Zacchaeus"). Following this verse, [Luke 19:6-10](/luke/19-6-10 "Luke 19:6-10 - Zacchaeus's Transformation") detail Zacchaeus's immediate and joyful response, the crowd's grumbling, and Jesus's profound declaration of His mission, which serves as the theological climax of the entire episode.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jericho was a prosperous city, strategically located on a major trade route, making it a prime location for tax collection. Tax collectors, or publicans, like Zacchaeus, were Jewish individuals who contracted with the Roman authorities to collect taxes from their own people. This profession was deeply reviled by the Jewish populace for several reasons: it symbolized Roman oppression, tax collectors were often corrupt (extorting more than required), and they were considered ritually unclean due to their constant interaction with Gentiles. Consequently, they were ostracized from religious and social life. For Jesus, a respected rabbi, to willingly associate with, let alone invite Himself to the home of, a chief tax collector like Zacchaeus, was a scandalous act that defied social norms and religious purity laws, underscoring His radical approach to ministry and His focus on the marginalized.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 19:5](/luke/19-5 "Luke 19:5 - Jesus Calls Zacchaeus") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. One prominent theme is **Divine Initiative and Grace**, where Jesus actively seeks out the lost and marginalized, rather than waiting for them to come to Him. This is evident in Jesus looking up and calling Zacchaeus by name, demonstrating His omniscience and intentionality. Another key theme is **Radical Inclusivity**, as Jesus consistently reaches out to those rejected by society—the poor, the sick, sinners, and outcasts—challenging the prevailing social and religious hierarchies. His willingness to enter Zacchaeus's home directly illustrates this. Furthermore, the verse foreshadows the theme of **Salvation and Transformation**, as Jesus's presence in Zacchaeus's life leads to immediate repentance and restitution, embodying the mission declared in [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost"): "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." The urgency in Jesus's command ("make haste, and come down") also highlights the theme of **Immediate Response to God's Call**.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **eídō (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb, translated "saw," signifies more than mere physical sight. While Zacchaeus was trying to see Jesus, Jesus's "seeing" of Zacchaeus implies a deep, knowing perception, an understanding of his heart and situation. It suggests a divine recognition that transcends the superficial view of the crowd.
* **deî (Greek, _deî'_):** Translated "must," this impersonal verb indicates a divine necessity or obligation. Jesus's statement "I must abide at thy house" is not a casual preference but a declaration of divine imperative. It underscores that this encounter is part of God's sovereign plan and Jesus's essential mission, not a spontaneous decision.
* **ménō (Greek, _ménō'_):** Translated "abide," this word means to stay, dwell, or remain. It suggests more than a fleeting visit; it implies a period of sustained presence and fellowship. Jesus's intention to "abide" at Zacchaeus's house signifies a desire for deep personal connection and the establishment of a relationship, highlighting the intimate nature of the salvation He offers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Jesus came to the place":** This phrase establishes the precise moment and location of the encounter. Jesus's arrival at the very spot where Zacchaeus was positioned in the tree underscores His intentionality and divine timing. He did not merely pass by; He arrived at the specific point where Zacchaeus, in his unique vantage point, was waiting.
* **"he looked up, and saw him":** This is a crucial action. While Zacchaeus was looking down from the tree to see Jesus, Jesus deliberately "looked up" to see Zacchaeus. This upward gaze signifies Jesus's active initiative and His ability to perceive individuals even in unconventional or hidden places. His "seeing" is not passive but an active, discerning recognition of Zacchaeus amidst the crowd.
* **"and said unto him, 'Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down;'":** Jesus's direct address to Zacchaeus by name is profoundly personal and unexpected. It demonstrates Jesus's omniscience, as He knew Zacchaeus's name without prior introduction. The command "make haste, and come down" conveys urgency and a call to immediate action, challenging Zacchaeus to descend from his isolated perch and engage directly with Jesus.
* **"for to day I must abide at thy house.'":** This declaration reveals Jesus's radical intention. The "for" (Greek: `gár`) introduces the reason for the urgent command: Jesus's divine necessity to stay at Zacchaeus's home. This act was scandalous to the onlookers, but it was central to Jesus's mission—to enter the life and home of an outcast, signifying acceptance, fellowship, and the bringing of salvation to a place of sin and social rejection.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's narrative in [Luke 19:5](/luke/19-5 "Luke 19:5 - Jesus Calls Zacchaeus") employs several potent literary devices. There is a strong sense of **Irony** in Zacchaeus's name, which means "pure" or "innocent," contrasting sharply with his profession as a chief tax collector, a role widely associated with impurity and corruption. This ironic name beautifully foreshadows the spiritual cleansing and transformation he is about to experience through his encounter with Jesus. The scene also utilizes **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader, knowing Jesus's mission, understands the significance of His actions, while the crowd (as seen in subsequent verses) is scandalized. The **Personal Address** ("Zacchaeus") is a powerful device, emphasizing Jesus's intimate knowledge and direct engagement with individuals, cutting through the anonymity of the crowd. Furthermore, the **Contrast** between Zacchaeus's physical elevation in the tree and Jesus's call for him to "come down" symbolizes a spiritual descent from a place of hiding or social isolation into a direct, humble encounter with divine grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Luke 19:5](/luke/19-5 "Luke 19:5 - Jesus Calls Zacchaeus") is a powerful testament to God's proactive grace and His relentless pursuit of the lost. It dismantles human-made barriers of social status, wealth, and perceived sinfulness, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of divine love. Jesus's initiative in seeking out Zacchaeus, rather than waiting for Zacchaeus to approach Him, underscores the core truth that salvation is not earned but freely offered by a God who actively seeks relationship with humanity. This encounter serves as a microcosm of the Gospel message, where God, in Christ, bridges the chasm created by sin and invites Himself into the lives of those who are willing to receive Him, regardless of their past.

* [John 15:16](/john/15-16 "John 15:16 - You Did Not Choose Me, But I Chose You")
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")
* [Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy and Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus in [Luke 19:5](/luke/19-5 "Luke 19:5 - Jesus Calls Zacchaeus") offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that Jesus sees beyond our outward appearance, our societal labels, or even our self-perceived unworthiness. He knows us by name, understands our unique circumstances, and desires a personal, transformative relationship with us. Just as He called Zacchaeus down from his sycomore tree, Jesus calls each of us from whatever "perches" we might occupy—whether they be positions of pride, self-sufficiency, isolation, or even hiding from our past sins. His invitation is always one of grace and intimacy, seeking to "abide" with us, implying a deep, abiding fellowship that leads to genuine life change. Our response, like Zacchaeus's, should be one of immediate and joyful obedience, embracing the unexpected and radical grace of Christ. This verse compels us to consider where we might be "hiding" or what social barriers we might be erecting, preventing us from fully receiving or extending God's boundless love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "tree" or "perch" might I be hiding from Jesus, or from fully engaging with His call on my life?**
* **How does Jesus's initiative in seeking Zacchaeus challenge my understanding of how salvation or spiritual growth occurs?**
* **Am I willing to welcome Jesus into the "house" of my life, even if it means disrupting my comfort or challenging my social standing?**
* **How can I extend the same radical inclusivity and proactive grace that Jesus showed to Zacchaeus to others in my own community?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus specifically choose Zacchaeus among the crowd?**

Answer: While the text doesn't explicitly state Jesus's reasoning, [Luke 19:5](/luke/19-5 "Luke 19:5 - Jesus Calls Zacchaeus") strongly implies divine knowledge and intentionality. Jesus "looked up, and saw him," indicating a deliberate act of recognition. His immediate knowledge of Zacchaeus's name and His declaration, "I must abide at thy house," suggest that this encounter was part of God's sovereign plan for Zacchaeus's salvation and to demonstrate Jesus's mission to "seek and to save the lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus' Mission")). It was not a random choice but a divinely orchestrated appointment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter in [Luke 19:5](/luke/19-5 "Luke 19:5 - Jesus Calls Zacchaeus") profoundly foreshadows and embodies the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus, as the Son of God, demonstrates His divine omniscience and sovereign authority by knowing Zacchaeus by name and declaring His intention to enter his home. This act is a living parable of the Incarnation, where God Himself "came down" from heaven to "abide" among humanity, specifically seeking out those who were lost in sin, much like Zacchaeus was lost in his profession and social isolation. Jesus's willingness to associate with a despised tax collector prefigures His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where He became sin for us, identifying with the outcasts and bearing the shame of humanity's rebellion to reconcile us to God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His call to Zacchaeus to "make haste, and come down" echoes the universal call to repentance and faith, inviting all to descend from their self-made heights of pride or self-righteousness and embrace the humble, yet transforming, presence of the Savior ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). Ultimately, Jesus's declaration, "to day I must abide at thy house," points to the new covenant reality where Christ dwells within believers by His Spirit, making their hearts His home and transforming them from the inside out ([Ephesians 3:17](/ephesians/3-17 "Ephesians 3:17 - Christ Dwelling in Our Hearts"); [Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Jesus Stands at the Door and Knocks")). This encounter is a vivid illustration of Jesus's mission to seek and save the lost, culminating in His atoning work and the indwelling of His Spirit, bringing salvation and new life to all who welcome Him.

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

Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

John 14:23

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Hebrews 13:2

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

John 1:48

Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.

Ephesians 3:17

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

Luke 19:10

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Ezekiel 16:6

¶ And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee [when thou wast] in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee [when thou wast] in thy blood, Live.