### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Ζακχαῖος (Zakchaîos, `{{G2195}}`) is directly derived from the Hebrew name זַכַּי (Zakkay, `{{H2140}}`). The root of the Hebrew name, *zakhah* (זכה), carries the primary meaning "to be clean," "to be pure," or "to be innocent." Consequently, the name Zacchaeus signifies "pure," "innocent," or "righteous." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to the individual identified in the biblical narrative. However, the etymological meaning of the name stands in stark contrast to the profession and societal standing of the man who bore it, creating a powerful ironic tension that underscores the divine initiative in his salvation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Zacchaeus appears exclusively in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in the narrative found in [[Luke 19:1-10]]. He is introduced as a "chief tax collector" (ἀρχιτελώνης) and a man of considerable wealth residing in Jericho. In the Jewish society of Jesus's day, tax collectors were reviled for their collaboration with the Roman occupational forces and their notorious reputation for corruption and extortion. They were often categorized with "sinners" and prostitutes, placing them outside the bounds of respectable religious society (e.g., [[Matthew 9:10-11]], [[Luke 5:30]]).
Despite his social ostracization, Zacchaeus demonstrates an intense eagerness to see Jesus, overcoming his physical stature by climbing a sycamore-fig tree. Jesus, in an act of profound grace and initiative, stops beneath the tree, calls Zacchaeus by name, and declares His intention to stay at Zacchaeus's house. This action elicits grumbling from the crowd, who deem it scandalous for Jesus to associate with a "sinner."
Zacchaeus's response is immediate and transformative: he pledges to give half of his possessions to the poor and to restore fourfold to anyone he has defrauded. This act of restitution goes beyond the Mosaic Law's requirement of 20% restitution plus the principal (e.g., [[Leviticus 6:5]], [[Numbers 5:7]]), demonstrating a radical change of heart. Jesus responds by proclaiming, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost" ([[Luke 19:9-10]]). This declaration highlights that Zacchaeus, despite his past, is now a true heir of the covenant promises through his repentance and faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Origin (`{{H2140}}`):** The direct link to the Hebrew name *Zakkay* emphasizes the etymological meaning of "pure" or "innocent," setting up a dramatic contrast with Zacchaeus's profession.
* **Tax Collectors (τελώνης, `{{G5057}}`):** The social status of tax collectors provides the backdrop for understanding the depth of Zacchaeus's societal alienation and the radical nature of Jesus's grace.
* **Repentance (μετάνοια, `{{G3341}}`):** Zacchaeus's actions—giving to the poor and making fourfold restitution—are a paradigmatic example of genuine repentance, involving both a change of mind and tangible, costly acts of righteousness.
* **Salvation (σωτηρία, `{{G4991}}`):** Jesus's declaration that "salvation has come to this house" underscores the immediate and holistic nature of the spiritual transformation Zacchaeus experiences.
* **Son of Abraham:** Jesus's affirmation that Zacchaeus is "a son of Abraham" expands the definition of true lineage beyond mere physical descent to include spiritual alignment through faith and obedience, a theme echoed in Paul's epistles (e.g., [[Galatians 3:7]]).
* **Seeking the Lost:** The concluding statement in [[Luke 19:10]] serves as a capstone, articulating Jesus's core mission to actively pursue and redeem those who are spiritually lost, regardless of their social standing or past sins.
### Theological Significance
The narrative of Zacchaeus holds profound theological significance, illustrating several key aspects of God's character and the nature of salvation:
1. **Divine Initiative and Grace:** The story powerfully demonstrates God's proactive grace. Jesus initiates the encounter, stopping specifically for Zacchaeus and inviting Himself to his home. This highlights that salvation is not primarily a human quest for God, but God's pursuit of humanity.
2. **Radical Inclusivity:** Jesus's willingness to associate with a despised tax collector challenges the social and religious norms of His day. It underscores the gospel's message that salvation is available to all, including those marginalized and considered beyond redemption by society.
3. **Nature of True Repentance:** Zacchaeus's response provides a compelling model of authentic repentance. It is not merely an emotional sorrow for sin but a tangible, costly commitment to restitution and a fundamental reorientation of life, demonstrating a transformed heart and a desire to live righteously.
4. **Redefining Righteousness:** The irony of Zacchaeus's name ("pure") being applied to a "sinner" is resolved through Christ's intervention. His encounter with Jesus leads him to true purity and righteousness, not through self-effort but through the grace that enables genuine transformation.
5. **Purpose of Christ's Ministry:** [[Luke 19:10]] serves as a concise summary of Jesus's redemptive mission: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Zacchaeus's story is a vivid illustration of this mission in action, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of God's saving power.
### Summary
Ζακχαῖος (Zakchaîos, `{{G2195}}`) is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name *Zakkay* (`{{H2140}}`), meaning "pure" or "innocent." This name stands in poignant contrast to the character's social standing as a wealthy chief tax collector in Jericho, a profession reviled in Jewish society. The sole biblical account of Zacchaeus is found in [[Luke 19:1-10]], where his earnest desire to see Jesus leads to a transformative encounter. Jesus's radical act of inviting Himself to Zacchaeus's home precipitates a profound and immediate repentance, evidenced by Zacchaeus's pledge to give half his possessions to the poor and make fourfold restitution for any past fraud. This narrative powerfully illustrates God's sovereign grace and initiative in seeking the lost, Jesus's radical inclusivity towards social outcasts, and the transformative nature of genuine repentance. Ultimately, Zacchaeus's story serves as a living parable for Jesus's core mission: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost," demonstrating that through Christ, even the most despised can be made truly "pure" and become a true "son of Abraham."
TRV