Luke 19:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

So Zacchaeus hurried down and welcomed Him joyfully.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:6 vividly portrays the immediate and enthusiastic response of Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector of Jericho, to Jesus's unexpected summons. This pivotal verse underscores Zacchaeus's remarkable eagerness and the profound joy that characterizes his encounter with the Savior, marking the commencement of a radical personal transformation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of Jesus's final journey to Jerusalem, as He passes through Jericho. Immediately preceding this, Jesus has initiated a surprising interaction with Zacchaeus. In [Luke 19:1-4](/luke/19-1-4 "Luke 19:1-4 - Jesus Enters Jericho and Zacchaeus Climbs a Tree"), we learn of Zacchaeus's social standing as a wealthy but despised chief tax collector, his physical impediment (short stature), and his unconventional method of seeing Jesus by climbing a sycamore tree. The divine initiative is then powerfully demonstrated in [Luke 19:5](/luke/19-5 "Luke 19:5 - Jesus Calls Zacchaeus"), where Jesus stops, looks up, calls Zacchaeus by name, and declares His intention to stay at his house. Luke 19:6 is Zacchaeus's direct and unhesitating reply to this astonishing invitation, setting the stage for his confession and restitution in [Luke 19:8](/luke/19-8 "Luke 19:8 - Zacchaeus's Repentance and Restitution") and Jesus's declaration of salvation in [Luke 19:9-10](/luke/19-9-10 "Luke 19:9-10 - Salvation Comes to Zacchaeus's House").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zacchaeus's profession as a chief tax collector (ἀρχιτελώνης, _architelōnēs_) in Jericho placed him in a unique and widely reviled position. Jericho was a prosperous city, a center for balsam production and trade, making its tax revenues significant. As a chief tax collector, Zacchaeus would have overseen other tax collectors and was notorious for enriching himself through extortion, collaborating with the Roman occupiers. This made him a social outcast, viewed as a traitor and a sinner by his Jewish countrymen. For Jesus, a respected rabbi, to publicly acknowledge and invite Himself to the home of such a figure was a scandalous act, challenging deeply ingrained social and religious norms. The act of receiving a guest into one's home (hospitality) was a profound gesture of acceptance and fellowship in ancient Jewish culture, signifying a bond that transcended mere acquaintance.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 19:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Luke and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Initiative and Grace**, as Jesus actively seeks out the lost and marginalized, extending grace to those considered unworthy by society, as seen throughout [Luke's Gospel](/luke "The Gospel of Luke"). It powerfully illustrates **Immediate and Joyful Response to Christ's Call**, contrasting with other individuals who hesitated or made excuses when called by Jesus (e.g., [Luke 9:57-62](/luke/9-57-62 "Luke 9:57-62 - Cost of Discipleship")). The verse also underscores the theme of **Transformation and Salvation**, demonstrating how an encounter with Jesus leads to radical change, not just in behavior but in one's entire life and standing before God. Finally, it exemplifies **Hospitality as a Pathway to Fellowship**, where opening one's home to Christ symbolizes opening one's heart to His lordship, a theme echoed in [Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Jesus Stands at the Door").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **made haste (Greek, _speúdō'_):** From G4692, _speúdō_ conveys more than simple speed; it implies eagerness, urgency, and a willing readiness. Zacchaeus's action is not merely quick but reflects an enthusiastic desire to respond immediately to Jesus's call. This haste signifies his deep longing for an encounter with the Lord, overcoming social barriers and personal pride.
* **received (Greek, _hypodéchomai'_):** From G5264, _hypodéchomai_ means "to admit under one's roof, i.e., entertain hospitably." This word emphasizes the act of welcoming Jesus into his home, a profound cultural gesture of acceptance and honor. It implies not just physical reception but a willingness to embrace Jesus's presence and what He represents, laying the groundwork for the spiritual reception that follows.
* **joyfully (Greek, _chaírō'_):** From G5463, _chaírō_ is a primary verb meaning "to be cheerful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; to rejoice, be glad." The form used here, _chaírōn_, is a present participle, indicating a continuous state of profound inner delight and gladness. Zacchaeus's joy is not fleeting but a deep, abiding happiness at Jesus's presence and invitation, a stark contrast to his likely previous burdened state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made haste,"**: This clause immediately conveys Zacchaeus's urgent and eager response. Having been called by name and invited to host Jesus, Zacchaeus does not hesitate or procrastinate. His "haste" is not born of fear or obligation, but of an overwhelming desire to comply with Jesus's surprising and gracious invitation, demonstrating a readiness of heart that is central to true repentance.
* **"and came down,"**: This describes the physical action Zacchaeus takes in response to Jesus's call. He quickly descends from the sycamore tree, abandoning his elevated vantage point and literally coming down to meet Jesus on common ground. This physical descent can also be seen symbolically as a humbling, a willingness to leave behind his former position (both literally in the tree and figuratively in his life of self-exaltation) to encounter Christ.
* **"and received him joyfully."**: This final clause encapsulates the emotional and spiritual disposition of Zacchaeus. His reception of Jesus is not merely polite or obligatory but characterized by profound joy. This joy signifies an inner transformation already beginning, a gladness that stems from the unexpected grace and acceptance offered by Jesus, a stark contrast to the social ostracism he typically experienced. It suggests a heart open and eager to embrace the Savior.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 19:6 employs several effective literary devices. The **Juxtaposition** of Zacchaeus's previous social standing (despised tax collector) with his joyful and immediate response to Jesus highlights the transformative power of divine grace. The **Imagery** of Zacchaeus "making haste" and "coming down" from the tree is vivid, symbolizing his quick obedience and perhaps a metaphorical descent from a position of isolation or self-reliance to one of humility and engagement. The use of the adverb "joyfully" (χαίρων, _chaírōn_) functions as a powerful **Modifier**, emphasizing the genuine and profound emotional state accompanying Zacchaeus's reception of Jesus, underscoring the spiritual delight inherent in encountering the Savior. This joy is a key indicator of a heart prepared for salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 19:6 beautifully illustrates the profound theological principle of God's sovereign grace preceding and enabling human response. Jesus's unmerited initiative in calling Zacchaeus, a social outcast, by name, elicits an immediate and joyful reception. This highlights that salvation is fundamentally a work of God, yet it requires a willing human heart to embrace it. Zacchaeus's haste and joy serve as a model for how humanity should respond to the divine invitation, not with hesitation or reluctance, but with eager obedience and heartfelt gladness. This episode underscores the radical inclusivity of God's kingdom, where those deemed unworthy by human standards are sought out and transformed by Christ's love.

* [John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All that the Father gives me will come to me")
* [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief Lead to Salvation")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zacchaeus's response in Luke 19:6 offers a timeless blueprint for how we are to engage with the call of Christ. His immediate "haste" challenges any tendency toward procrastination or apathy when faced with divine invitation. In a world that often encourages delay or critical analysis before commitment, Zacchaeus's unhesitating descent from the tree and his eager welcome of Jesus into his home serve as a powerful reminder of the blessing found in prompt obedience. Furthermore, his "joyful" reception underscores that encountering Jesus is not a burdensome obligation but a source of profound inner delight and peace. This joy is a testament to the liberating power of grace, transforming a despised tax collector into a recipient of salvation. For us today, it means cultivating a heart that is not only willing but eager to respond to God's leading, embracing His presence with genuine gladness, and opening our lives—our homes, our resources, our very selves—to His transformative lordship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "up a tree," needing to "come down" in humble and immediate response to Jesus's call?**
* **What prevents me from responding to God's invitations with the same "haste" and "joy" that Zacchaeus demonstrated?**
* **How can I cultivate a more joyful and open heart to "receive" Jesus into all aspects of my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why was Zacchaeus so eager and joyful to receive Jesus, given his reputation?**

Answer: Zacchaeus's eagerness and joy stem from the profound and unexpected grace extended by Jesus. As a chief tax collector, Zacchaeus was likely burdened by social ostracism, guilt from his corrupt practices, and a deep spiritual emptiness despite his wealth. For a respected figure like Jesus to not only acknowledge him but to call him by name and invite Himself to Zacchaeus's home ([Luke 19:5](/luke/19-5 "Jesus Calls Zacchaeus")) was an act of radical acceptance and unmerited favor. This divine initiative, bypassing all social conventions and prejudices, offered Zacchaeus a lifeline of hope and forgiveness he desperately needed but likely never expected. His immediate, joyful response reflects the overwhelming relief and gratitude of a soul encountering true love and acceptance for the first time, setting the stage for his subsequent repentance and restitution ([Luke 19:8](/luke/19-8 "Zacchaeus's Repentance and Restitution")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 19:6, with Zacchaeus's eager and joyful reception of Jesus, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Zacchaeus's "haste" and "joy" in welcoming Jesus into his home prefigure the response that all humanity is called to have towards the Savior. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, actively seeks out the lost, the marginalized, and the "sinners" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus's Mission to Seek and Save the Lost")), just as He sought Zacchaeus. His willingness to enter Zacchaeus's "unclean" home symbolizes His mission to dwell among humanity, taking on flesh to reconcile a fallen world to God ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Zacchaeus's joyful reception of Jesus into his house is a microcosm of the spiritual reception of Christ into one's heart, leading to salvation and new life, a theme central to the New Testament's message of faith ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief Lead to Salvation")). Ultimately, Zacchaeus's story is a vivid illustration of the gospel: Christ, in His boundless grace, initiates contact with the lost, and those who respond with humble, joyful faith receive the fullness of salvation and become part of God's family ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")).

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

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: