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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 19:3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but could not see over the crowd because he was small in stature.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/19-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/42_Luk_19_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 19:3 - Jesus and Zacchaeus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He was trying to see who Jesus was, but could not see over the crowd because he was small in stature." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/luke/19-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/luke/19-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/19.htm">Chapter 19</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/19-2.htm" title="Luke 19:2">◄</a> Luke 19:3 <a href="/luke/19-4.htm" title="Luke 19:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/luke/19.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/luke/19.htm">New International Version</a> He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. <a href="/nlt/luke/19.htm">New Living Translation</a> He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. <a href="/esv/luke/19.htm">English Standard Version</a> And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. <a href="/bsb/luke/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> He was trying to see who Jesus was, but could not see over the crowd because he was small in stature. <a href="/blb/luke/19.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And he was seeking to see Jesus, who He is. And he was not able because of the crowd, for he was small in stature. <a href="/kjv/luke/19.htm">King James Bible</a> And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. <a href="/nkjv/luke/19.htm">New King James Version</a> And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. <a href="/nasb_/luke/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and he was unable due to the crowd, because he was short in stature. <a href="/nasb/luke/19.htm">NASB 1995</a> Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature. <a href="/nasb77/luke/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And he was trying to see who Jesus was, and he was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature. <a href="/lsb/luke/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature. <a href="/amp/luke/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, but he could not see because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. <a href="/csb/luke/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because of the crowd, since he was a short man. <a href="/hcsb/luke/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because of the crowd, since he was a short man. <a href="/asv/luke/19.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the crowd, because he was little of stature. <a href="/erv/luke/19.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the crowd, because he was little of stature. <a href="/gwt/luke/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> He tried to see who Jesus was. But Zacchaeus was a small man, and he couldn't see Jesus because of the crowd. <a href="/gnt/luke/19.htm">Good News Translation</a> He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was a little man and could not see Jesus because of the crowd. <a href="/isv/luke/19.htm">International Standard Version</a> He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he couldn't do so due to the crowd, since he was a short man. <a href="/msb/luke/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> He was trying to see who Jesus was, but could not see over the crowd because he was small in stature. <a href="/net/luke/19.htm">NET Bible</a> He was trying to get a look at Jesus, but being a short man he could not see over the crowd. <a href="/nheb/luke/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He was trying to see who Jesus was, and could not because of the crowd, because he was short. <a href="/wbt/luke/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the crowd, because he was little of stature. <a href="/wey/luke/19.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> He was anxious to see what sort of man Jesus was; but he could not because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. <a href="/web/luke/19.htm">World English Bible</a> He was trying to see who Jesus was, and couldn’t because of the crowd, because he was short. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and he was seeking to see Jesus, who He is, and was not able for the multitude, because he was small in stature, <a href="/blb/luke/19.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And he was seeking to see Jesus, who He is. And he was not able because of the crowd, for he was small in stature. <a href="/ylt/luke/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and he was seeking to see Jesus, who he is, and was not able for the multitude, because in stature he was small, <a href="/slt/luke/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he sought to see Jesus, who he is; and he could not, from the crowd, for he was small in size.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he sought to see Jesus who he was, and he could not for the crowd, because he was low of stature. <a href="/cpdv/luke/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he sought to see Jesus, to see who he was. But he was unable to do so, because of the crowd, for he was small in stature. <a href="/nabre/luke/19.htm">New American Bible</a> was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he wanted to see who Jesus was; but he could not because of the crowd, for Zacchaeus was small in his stature. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/19.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And he wanted to see who Yeshua was and he was not able to from the crowd because Zakkai was small in stature.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/19.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And he sought to see Jesus, who he was, and was not able on account of the multitude, because he was of small stature. <a href="/godbey/luke/19.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And he was seeking to see Jesus, who He is; and was not able on account of the multitude, because he was small in stature. <a href="/haweis/luke/19.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And he was desirous to have a sight of Jesus, what sort of person he was; and he could not, because of the crowd, for he was short of stature. <a href="/mace/luke/19.htm">Mace New Testament</a> was very desirous to see the person of Jesus, but could not for the crowd, he being of a low stature. <a href="/wey/luke/19.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> He was anxious to see what sort of man Jesus was; but he could not because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. <a href="/worrell/luke/19.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And he was seeking to see Jesus, Who He was; and was not able on account of the multitude; because he was small in stature. <a href="/worsley/luke/19.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And he sought to see Jesus who He was; but he could not for the croud; for he was little of stature. <a href="/parallel/luke/19-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=7426" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/19.htm">Jesus and Zacchaeus</a> …2And there was a man named Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, who was very wealthy. 3<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2212.htm" title="2212: ezētei (V-IIA-3S) -- To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.">He was trying</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: idein (V-ANA) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">to see</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">who</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsoun (N-AMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">was,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">but</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: ēdynato (V-IIM/P-3S) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">could not see</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">over</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3793.htm" title="3793: ochlou (N-GMS) -- From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.">crowd</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">he was</a> <a href="/greek/3398.htm" title="3398: mikros (Adj-NMS) -- Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity).">small</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2244.htm" title="2244: hēlikia (N-DFS) -- Age, term of life; full age, maturity; stature. From the same as helikos; maturity.">in stature.</a> 4So he ran on ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Him, since Jesus was about to pass that way.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/mark/10-46.htm">Mark 10:46-52</a> Next, they came to Jericho. And as Jesus and His disciples were leaving Jericho with a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting beside the road. / When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” / Many people admonished him to be silent, but he cried out all the louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” ... <a href="/matthew/20-29.htm">Matthew 20:29-34</a> As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. / And there were two blind men sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” / The crowd admonished them to be silent, but they cried out all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” ... <a href="/john/12-21.htm">John 12:21</a> They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” <a href="/matthew/5-8.htm">Matthew 5:8</a> Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. <a href="/john/1-45.htm">John 1:45-46</a> Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One the prophets foretold—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” / “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. <a href="/john/3-2.htm">John 3:2</a> He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.” <a href="/john/7-34.htm">John 7:34</a> You will look for Me, but you will not find Me; and where I am, you cannot come.” <a href="/john/12-9.htm">John 12:9</a> Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews learned that Jesus was there. And they came not only because of Him, but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. <a href="/matthew/13-17.htm">Matthew 13:17</a> For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Hebrews 11:13</a> All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. <a href="/isaiah/55-6.htm">Isaiah 55:6</a> Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. <a href="/jeremiah/29-13.htm">Jeremiah 29:13</a> You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. <a href="/amos/8-12.htm">Amos 8:12</a> People will stagger from sea to sea and roam from north to east, seeking the word of the LORD, but they will not find it. <a href="/psalms/119-2.htm">Psalm 119:2</a> Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart. <a href="/proverbs/8-17.htm">Proverbs 8:17</a> I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.he sought.<a href="/luke/9-7.htm">Luke 9:7-9</a> Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; … <a href="/luke/23-8.htm">Luke 23:8</a> And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.<a href="/john/12-21.htm">John 12:21</a> The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.because.<a href="/luke/12-25.htm">Luke 12:25</a> And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/18-43.htm">Able</a> <a href="/luke/16-28.htm">Account</a> <a href="/luke/12-29.htm">Anxious</a> <a href="/luke/17-33.htm">Attempt</a> <a href="/luke/14-6.htm">Couldn't</a> <a href="/luke/18-36.htm">Crowd</a> <a href="/luke/19-1.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/luke/18-17.htm">Little</a> <a href="/luke/18-36.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/luke/11-53.htm">Press</a> <a href="/luke/13-7.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/luke/8-1.htm">Short</a> <a href="/luke/17-12.htm">Small</a> <a href="/luke/7-40.htm">Sort</a> <a href="/luke/13-6.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/luke/12-25.htm">Stature</a> <a href="/luke/11-16.htm">Trying</a> <a href="/luke/14-29.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/luke/8-17.htm">View</a> <a href="/luke/15-16.htm">Wanted</a> <a href="/luke/19-2.htm">Zaccheus</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/19-42.htm">Able</a> <a href="/luke/20-37.htm">Account</a> <a href="/luke/21-26.htm">Anxious</a> <a href="/john/10-39.htm">Attempt</a> <a href="/luke/19-48.htm">Couldn't</a> <a href="/luke/19-37.htm">Crowd</a> <a href="/luke/19-4.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/luke/19-17.htm">Little</a> <a href="/luke/19-37.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/luke/19-43.htm">Press</a> <a href="/luke/19-47.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/luke/22-58.htm">Short</a> <a href="/luke/19-17.htm">Small</a> <a href="/john/12-33.htm">Sort</a> <a href="/luke/19-47.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-13.htm">Stature</a> <a href="/luke/19-47.htm">Trying</a> <a href="/luke/20-26.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/luke/19-41.htm">View</a> <a href="/luke/20-19.htm">Wanted</a> <a href="/luke/19-5.htm">Zaccheus</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 19</div>1. <a href="/luke/19-1.htm">Of Zacchaeus a tax collector.</a> 11. <a href="/luke/19-11.htm">The ten minas.</a> 28. <a href="/luke/19-28.htm">Jesus rides into Jerusalem with triumph;</a> 41. <a href="/luke/19-41.htm">weeps over it;</a> 45. <a href="/luke/19-45.htm">drives the buyers and sellers out of the temple;</a> 47. <a href="/luke/19-47.htm">Teaching daily in it. The rulers seek to destroy him, but fear the people.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/19.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/19.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>He was trying to see who Jesus was Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, was curious about Jesus, indicating a desire to understand His identity and mission. This reflects a common theme in the Gospels where individuals seek to know Jesus, often leading to transformative encounters. The act of seeking is significant in biblical narratives, as seen in <a href="/jeremiah/29-13.htm">Jeremiah 29:13</a>, where God promises to be found by those who seek Him with all their heart. Zacchaeus's curiosity may have been sparked by Jesus's reputation as a teacher and miracle worker, as well as His association with sinners and tax collectors, which was unusual for a Jewish rabbi.but could not see over the crowd The crowd symbolizes the barriers that often prevent individuals from encountering Jesus. In the Gospels, crowds frequently gather around Jesus, sometimes hindering access to Him, as seen in the story of the paralytic in <a href="/mark/2.htm">Mark 2:1-12</a>. The crowd's presence highlights the widespread interest in Jesus's ministry but also the physical and spiritual obstacles that must be overcome to truly see Him. This can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual blindness or societal pressures that can obstruct one's view of Christ.because he was small in stature Zacchaeus's physical limitation is a literal obstacle, but it also serves as a metaphor for spiritual shortcomings. His short stature is a detail that emphasizes his determination to see Jesus despite personal limitations. In a cultural context, physical attributes were often seen as indicative of one's social status or favor with God, yet Jesus frequently subverts these expectations by valuing the heart over outward appearances, as seen in <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>. Zacchaeus's small stature contrasts with his significant social position as a wealthy tax collector, highlighting the theme that God's kingdom is accessible to all, regardless of societal status or physical attributes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/z/zacchaeus.htm">Zacchaeus</a> A chief tax collector in Jericho, known for his wealth and his short stature. His desire to see Jesus demonstrates a curiosity or longing that transcends his social status and wealth. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure of the New Testament, whose presence in Jericho draws a large crowd. His reputation and teachings have sparked interest and hope among many, including Zacchaeus. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_crowd.htm">The Crowd</a> Represents the barriers and challenges that often stand between individuals and their pursuit of Jesus. The crowd's presence highlights the physical and social obstacles Zacchaeus faces. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jericho.htm">Jericho</a> A significant city in biblical history, known for its walls that fell in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, it serves as the setting for Zacchaeus's encounter with Jesus. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_sycamore_tree.htm">The Sycamore Tree</a> Though not mentioned in verse 3, it becomes crucial in the following verses as Zacchaeus climbs it to see Jesus. It symbolizes the lengths one might go to overcome obstacles in seeking Christ.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/o/overcoming_obstacles_to_see_jesus.htm">Overcoming Obstacles to See Jesus</a> Zacchaeus's determination to see Jesus despite his stature and the crowd teaches us the importance of perseverance in our spiritual journey. <a href="/topical/c/curiosity_leading_to_transformation.htm">Curiosity Leading to Transformation</a> Zacchaeus's initial curiosity about Jesus leads to a life-changing encounter. Our own questions and desires to know Jesus can lead to profound spiritual growth. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_humility.htm">The Role of Humility</a> Zacchaeus's willingness to climb a tree, an undignified act for a man of his status, underscores the humility required to truly seek and encounter Christ. <a href="/topical/j/jesus's_accessibility.htm">Jesus's Accessibility</a> Despite the crowd, Jesus is accessible to those who earnestly seek Him. This encourages us to pursue Him regardless of the barriers we face. <a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_personal_encounters_with_jesus.htm">The Impact of Personal Encounters with Jesus</a> Zacchaeus's account reminds us that personal encounters with Jesus can lead to repentance and transformation, impacting not only our lives but also those around us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 19</a> <a href="/q/key_events_in_jesus'_trials.htm">What were the key events in Jesus' trials?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_zacchaeus_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Zacchaeus in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_jesus'_tenth_disciple.htm">Who was the tenth disciple of Jesus in the list of twelve? Thaddaeus (Matthew 10: 1-4; Mark 3:13 -19) Judas son of James is the corresponding name in Lukes gospel (Luke 6:12-16)</a> <a href="/q/why_no_evidence_of_zacchaeus'_wealth.htm">If Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 was truly as wealthy as described, why haven't historians or archaeologists found more evidence of his existence or social status?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/19.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) He sought.--Better, was seeking. The verb expresses vividly the oft-repeated attempts of the man, little of stature, to get a glimpse of the Prophet as He passed.For the press.--The word is the same as that elsewhere rendered "multitude" or "crowd." The motive is left to be inferred. It was not mere curiosity, for that would not have met with the Lord's warm approval. Had he heard that there was a publican like himself among the chosen disciples of the Teacher whom the people were receiving as the Son of David? Had some one told him of the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican? Had the fame of the miracle wrought on the entrance into Jericho made him eager to see the Worker?He was little of stature.--The individualising feature may be accepted, in connection with what follows, either as a touch of consummate art, or a note of artless truthfulness.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - He was little of stature. Such a curious detail comes, of course, from some memoir written just at the time. <a href="/commentaries/luke/19-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>He was trying ἐζήτει (ezētei) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2212.htm">Strong's 2212: </a> To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot. to see ἰδεῖν (idein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. who τίς (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. Jesus Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. was, ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. but καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. could not [see] ἠδύνατο (ēdynato) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible. over ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. crowd, ὄχλου (ochlou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3793.htm">Strong's 3793: </a> From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot. because ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. he was ἦν (ēn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. small μικρὸς (mikros) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3398.htm">Strong's 3398: </a> Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity). in stature. ἡλικίᾳ (hēlikia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2244.htm">Strong's 2244: </a> Age, term of life; full age, maturity; stature. From the same as helikos; maturity. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/19-3.htm">Luke 19:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/19-3.htm">Luke 19:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/19-3.htm">Luke 19:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/19-3.htm">Luke 19:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/19-3.htm">Luke 19:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/19-3.htm">Luke 19:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/19-3.htm">Luke 19:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/19-3.htm">Luke 19:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/19-3.htm">Luke 19:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/19-3.htm">Luke 19:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/19-3.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 19:3 He was trying to see who Jesus (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/19-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 19:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 19:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/19-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 19:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 19:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>