Luke 19:6

And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

And {G2532} he made haste {G4692}, and came down {G2597}, and {G2532} received {G5264} him {G846} joyfully {G5463}.

He climbed down as fast as he could and welcomed Yeshua joyfully.

So Zacchaeus hurried down and welcomed Him joyfully.

And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

Commentary

Luke 19:6 brilliantly captures the immediate and enthusiastic response of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector in Jericho, to Jesus's unexpected call. This verse highlights a pivotal moment of transformation, emphasizing Zacchaeus's eagerness and the profound joy that accompanies an encounter with Christ.

Context

This verse follows directly from Jesus's entry into the bustling city of Jericho. As a chief tax collector, Zacchaeus was a wealthy but widely despised figure among his Jewish countrymen, seen as a traitor for collaborating with the Roman authorities and often extorting money. Curious to see Jesus but too short to see over the crowd, Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree. In a remarkable display of divine initiative, Jesus stopped precisely at that spot, looked up, and called Zacchaeus by name, inviting Himself to his house. Luke 19:6 is Zacchaeus's immediate and unhesitating reply to this surprising invitation.

Key Themes

  • Immediate Obedience: Zacchaeus's response is characterized by "haste." There's no hesitation, no questioning, but an instant willingness to comply with Jesus's command. This stands in stark contrast to others who delayed or made excuses when called by Jesus.
  • Profound Joy: The text states he "received him joyfully." This wasn't merely polite acceptance but an overflowing gladness. It speaks to the deep satisfaction and peace that can result from an encounter with the Savior, even for someone who was likely burdened by guilt and social ostracism.
  • Hospitality to Christ: By receiving Jesus into his home, Zacchaeus was not just offering a meal but opening his life to the One who offered salvation. This act of hospitality foreshadows the deeper spiritual transformation that would follow.
  • Divine Grace and Human Response: This verse beautifully illustrates the interplay between God's sovereign grace (Jesus seeking Zacchaeus) and humanity's free will response (Zacchaeus's eager reception).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "made haste" is speusas (ฯƒฯ€ฮตฯฯƒฮฑฯ‚), which conveys more than mere speed; it implies eagerness, urgency, and a willing readiness. It signifies Zacchaeus's enthusiastic desire to respond. The term "joyfully" comes from chairลn (ฯ‡ฮฑฮฏฯฯ‰ฮฝ), a present participle of the verb chairล, meaning "to rejoice" or "to be glad." This indicates a continuous state of profound inner delight and gladness at Jesus's presence and invitation, rather than a fleeting emotion.

Practical Application

Zacchaeus's story serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. His rapid descent and joyful reception of Jesus illustrate the ideal response to God's call: one of immediate obedience and heartfelt gladness. It teaches us:

  • Don't Delay: When Christ calls, an immediate response is often the most impactful. Procrastination can hinder the blessings and transformation that God intends.
  • Embrace Joy: Receiving Jesus into our lives, whether for the first time or continually, should be met with genuine joy. His presence brings peace, forgiveness, and a new perspective.
  • Open Your Life: "Receiving Him" goes beyond a simple invitation; it implies opening our hearts, homes, and lives to His lordship. This willingness to welcome Jesus leads to profound change, as seen in Zacchaeus's subsequent repentance and restitution (Luke 19:8). Ultimately, Zacchaeus's story encapsulates Jesus's mission to "seek and to save that which was lost."
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 5:29

    And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.

  • Acts 16:34

    And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

  • Isaiah 64:5

    Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, [those that] remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.

  • Acts 16:15

    And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought [us], saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide [there]. And she constrained us.

  • Acts 2:41

    Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.

  • Galatians 1:15

    But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called [me] by his grace,

  • Galatians 1:16

    To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
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