Luke 19:9

KJV

And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036} unto {G4314} him {G846},{G3754} This day {G4594} is {G1096} salvation {G4991} come {G1096} to this {G5129} house {G3624}, forsomuch as {G2530} he {G846} also {G2532} is {G2076} a son {G5207} of Abraham {G11}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, inasmuch as this man too is a son of Avraham.

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham.

American Standard Version

And Jesus said unto him, To-day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:9 captures Jesus's profound declaration to Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector of Jericho, signifying a pivotal moment of spiritual transformation. In response to Zacchaeus's public demonstration of repentance and restitution, Jesus proclaims that "salvation has come to this house." This statement not only announces an immediate and holistic deliverance for Zacchaeus and his household but also redefines true Abrahamic sonship, asserting that genuine faith and a changed life, rather than mere ethnic lineage, are the marks of God's chosen.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic declaration following the remarkable encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus, detailed in [Luke 19:1-8](/luke/19-1-8 "Luke 19:1-8 - The Story of Zacchaeus"). The narrative begins with Jesus entering Jericho, where Zacchaeus, a wealthy but socially ostracized chief tax collector, goes to extraordinary lengths (climbing a sycomore tree) to see Jesus. Jesus initiates contact, calling Zacchaeus by name and declaring His intention to stay at his house. This act provokes murmuring from the crowd, who deem Jesus's association with a "siner" scandalous ([Luke 19:7](/luke/19-7 "Luke 19:7 - The Crowd's Murmuring")). In immediate response to Jesus's radical grace, Zacchaeus publicly commits to a radical act of repentance: giving half his possessions to the poor and repaying fourfold anyone he has defrauded ([Luke 19:8](/luke/19-8 "Luke 19:8 - Zacchaeus's Repentance")). It is upon this demonstration of genuine faith and transformed life that Jesus makes the powerful pronouncement of salvation in verse 9, followed by His overarching mission statement in [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus's Mission").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tax collectors (publicans) in first-century Judea were deeply despised by their Jewish compatriots. They were seen as collaborators with the Roman occupation, often extorting more than required for personal gain, and were considered ritually unclean and morally corrupt. Their profession placed them outside the bounds of respectable Jewish society, often grouped with "sinners" and prostitutes. The concept of "son of Abraham" was central to Jewish identity, signifying a privileged covenant relationship with God based on physical descent from the patriarch Abraham. This ethnic identity was often equated with righteousness and divine favor. Jesus's declaration that Zacchaeus, a reviled tax collector, was "a son of Abraham" would have been shocking, challenging the prevailing ethnocentric and works-based understanding of God's covenant people. Jericho itself was a wealthy city, known for its date palms and balsam production, and a significant tax collection point, making Zacchaeus's wealth and position particularly notable.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus's radical inclusivity and grace**, demonstrating His mission to seek out and save those on the margins of society, particularly "sinners" and outcasts, in stark contrast to the self-righteous religious elite (as seen in the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in [Luke 18:9-14](/luke/18-9-14 "Luke 18:9-14 - The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector")). Secondly, it underscores the **transformative power of genuine repentance**, showing that true faith is evidenced by a changed life and tangible actions of restitution, rather than mere words or rituals. Zacchaeus's immediate and generous response in [Luke 19:8](/luke/19-8 "Luke 19:8 - Zacchaeus's Generous Repentance") is a prime example. Thirdly, the verse redefines **true sonship of Abraham**, moving beyond mere physical lineage to a spiritual identity rooted in faith and obedience, echoing the themes found in [Romans 4](/romans/4 "Romans 4 - Abraham's Faith") and [Galatians 3](/galatians/3 "Galatians 3 - Faith and the Law"). This redefinition emphasizes that God's covenant promises are fulfilled through faith in Christ, open to all who respond with a repentant heart.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **salvation (Greek, _sōtēría'_):** This word (G4991) signifies rescue, safety, deliverance, preservation, healing, welfare, and wholeness. It encompasses not just spiritual deliverance from sin and eternal damnation, but also a holistic restoration—physical, social, and relational. When Jesus declares "salvation has come," it implies a comprehensive transformation of Zacchaeus's life, his household, and his standing before God and man, moving from spiritual death and social isolation to life, acceptance, and peace.
* **come (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb (G1096) means "to become," "to come into being," "to happen," or "to be brought to pass." Its use here emphasizes the immediate, present, and undeniable reality of salvation's arrival. It is not a future promise but a present experience, indicating that Zacchaeus's encounter with Jesus and his subsequent repentance have initiated a tangible, transformative reality "this day."
* **son of Abraham (Greek, _huiós Abraám'_):** The term "son" (G5207, _huiós_) denotes not only immediate physical offspring but also a broader sense of kinship, heirship, or belonging. "Abraham" (G11, _Abraám_) refers to the patriarch of the Jewish people. Jesus's declaration that Zacchaeus "also is a son of Abraham" redefines this identity. It moves beyond a purely ethnic or genealogical understanding to encompass a spiritual lineage, characterized by faith and obedience akin to Abraham's, validating Zacchaeus's genuine repentance as the mark of a true spiritual heir, regardless of his past or social standing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus said unto him":** This phrase establishes the divine authority and directness of Jesus's pronouncement. It is a personal declaration, specifically addressed to Zacchaeus, confirming the profound impact of their encounter.
* **"This day is salvation come to this house":** This is the core declaration. "This day" emphasizes the immediate, present reality of the transformation. "Salvation" (sōtēría) is comprehensive, encompassing forgiveness, restoration, and wholeness. "To this house" indicates that the blessing extends beyond Zacchaeus personally to his entire household, signifying a complete change in their spiritual and social standing.
* **"forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham":** This clause provides the theological justification for Zacchaeus's salvation. It redefines what it means to be a "son of Abraham." Zacchaeus's genuine repentance and restitution (demonstrated in [Luke 19:8](/luke/19-8 "Luke 19:8 - Zacchaeus's Repentant Actions")) are presented as evidence of a faith that aligns him with Abraham's spiritual lineage, proving him to be a true heir of God's covenant promises, regardless of his past or the crowd's judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 19:9 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Declaration**, as Jesus authoritatively pronounces salvation upon Zacchaeus and his house, underscoring His divine prerogative and mission. There is a strong element of **Irony** present: the one whom society, and specifically the murmuring crowd, considers a "sinner" and an outcast is precisely the one Jesus declares to be a "son of Abraham" and recipient of salvation. This subverts conventional expectations and highlights Jesus's radical grace. Furthermore, the phrase "to this house" employs **Synecdoche**, where "house" (oîkos) stands not just for the physical dwelling but also for Zacchaeus's entire family and, by extension, his whole life and social standing, indicating a complete and holistic transformation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 19:9 profoundly illustrates God's boundless grace and inclusive nature, demonstrating that salvation is not limited by social status, past sins, or ethnic origin, but is extended to all who respond with genuine faith and repentance. It redefines the very essence of being a "son of Abraham," shifting the focus from physical lineage to spiritual affinity—a heart of faith that trusts God and demonstrates its reality through transformed living. Zacchaeus's story serves as a powerful testament to the truth that God actively seeks out the lost and marginalized, bringing wholeness and restoration to those who embrace His radical love. This encounter foreshadows the broader New Testament teaching that true spiritual identity is found in Christ, making all believers, regardless of their background, heirs to the promises given to Abraham.

* [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus's Mission to Seek and Save the Lost")
* [Romans 4:16](/romans/4-16 "Romans 4:16 - Abraham, Father of All Believers")
* [Galatians 3:7](/galatians/3-7 "Galatians 3:7 - Those of Faith are Sons of Abraham")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 19:9 offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that God's grace knows no bounds; no one is beyond the reach of His redemptive love, regardless of their past mistakes, social standing, or perceived unworthiness. Zacchaeus, a figure despised by society, became a recipient of immediate and holistic salvation, demonstrating that true repentance, evidenced by a changed heart and tangible actions of restitution, opens the door to God's transformative power. This narrative calls us to examine our own lives: are we truly living as "sons of Abraham" by faith, demonstrating our commitment to God through our actions, particularly in how we treat others and manage our resources? It also challenges us to extend the same radical grace and welcome to those marginalized by society, recognizing that Jesus's mission was to seek and save the lost, not to condemn them. Our identity in Christ transcends earthly labels, uniting us as children of God through faith, with all the blessings and responsibilities that entail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Zacchaeus's story challenge my preconceived notions about who is "worthy" of God's grace and salvation?**
* **What does "salvation come to this house" mean in a holistic sense for my own life, family, and community today?**
* **In what practical ways can I demonstrate genuine repentance and a transformed life, mirroring Zacchaeus's actions of restitution and generosity?**
* **How can I embody the inclusive love of Jesus towards those who are marginalized or despised in my own society?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus emphasize Zacchaeus being "a son of Abraham"?**

Answer: Jesus's emphasis on Zacchaeus being "a son of Abraham" is highly significant because it redefines the traditional Jewish understanding of Abrahamic lineage. For many Jews, being a "son of Abraham" was primarily about physical descent, granting them a privileged status and assurance of God's favor. However, Jesus consistently challenged this narrow view, as did John the Baptist before Him, who warned, "Do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father'; for I tell you that from these stones God can raise up children to Abraham" ([Luke 3:8](/luke/3-8 "Luke 3:8 - Fruits of Repentance")). By declaring Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, to be a "son of Abraham," Jesus asserts that true sonship is not merely a matter of birthright but of faith, repentance, and a transformed life. Zacchaeus's actions in [Luke 19:8](/luke/19-8 "Luke 19:8 - Zacchaeus's Repentant Actions")—his commitment to restitution and generosity—demonstrated a genuine change of heart and a faith that aligned him with Abraham's spiritual legacy. Thus, Jesus affirms that Zacchaeus's spiritual transformation has made him a true heir to God's promises, embodying the faith of Abraham, regardless of his past or social standing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 19:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of the salvation He declares. Zacchaeus's encounter is a microcosm of the grander narrative of redemption, where Jesus, the true "Son of Abraham" according to His human lineage ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus")), comes to fulfill the covenant promises made to Abraham—that through his seed, all the families of the earth would be blessed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). Jesus's mission, as He Himself states in [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus's Mission Statement"), is "to seek and to save that which was lost." This mission culminates in His atoning death and resurrection, where He, as the Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His sacrifice, spiritual sonship to Abraham, and more profoundly, adoption into God's family, becomes accessible to all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). Zacchaeus's "this day" salvation points to the decisive, once-for-all salvation wrought by Christ, making it possible for all who put their faith in Him to truly become children of God ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God")).

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

Galatians 3:7

Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

Luke 13:16

And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

Romans 4:16

Therefore [it is] of faith, that [it might be] by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

Acts 16:30

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

Acts 16:32

And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

1 Peter 2:10

Which in time past [were] not a people, but [are] now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Galatians 3:29

And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.