Luke 19 2

Luke 19:2 kjv

And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.

Luke 19:2 nkjv

Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.

Luke 19:2 niv

A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.

Luke 19:2 esv

And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich.

Luke 19:2 nlt

There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich.

Luke 19 verses

Luke 19 2 Meaning

This verse introduces Zacchaeus, a man identified by name and profession as the chief tax collector, highlighting his position of authority and considerable wealth. It sets the stage for a significant encounter with Jesus, revealing Jesus' divine focus on those typically ostracized by society and implicitly questioning conventional definitions of righteousness and status.

Luke 19 2 Context

Luke 19 opens as Jesus enters Jericho, a significant and prosperous city near the end of His journey to Jerusalem. Prior to this, Jesus has just healed a blind beggar (Bartimaeus in Luke 18:35-43) at the city's approach, demonstrating His divine power. He also had a challenging encounter with a rich young ruler who, unlike Zacchaeus, was unwilling to part with his possessions to follow Christ (Luke 18:18-30). This sets a background for Jesus' unique engagement with wealthy individuals. In the Jewish society of the time, tax collectors (publicans) were widely reviled and considered traitors, ritually unclean, and beyond the pale of devout society. They worked for the Roman occupation, often enriching themselves through excessive demands. Thus, for Jesus to single out a chief publican would have been profoundly counter-cultural and scandalous to the religious elite.

Luke 19 2 Word analysis

• And, behold (Καὶ ἰδοὺ - kai idou): This Greek phrase serves as an attention-grabbing exclamation, signaling that something important, surprising, or divinely significant is about to be revealed. It frequently highlights the unexpected arrival of an individual or an event that plays a crucial role in the narrative, suggesting divine purpose or intervention.
• there was a man (ἀνὴρ ὀνόματι - anēr onomati): Simple introduction to a specific male individual.
• named Zacchaeus (Ζακχαῖος - Zakchaios): This personal name means "pure" or "righteous." This is deeply ironic given his profession as a tax collector, which was widely seen as the antithesis of righteousness due to their association with Roman occupation and common practice of extortion. Luke's inclusion of his name immediately foreshadows a narrative of grace and transformation that transcends societal labels.
• which was the chief among the publicans (οὗτος ἦν ἀρχιτελώνης - houtos ēn architelōnēs): This title, "chief tax collector," signifies a position of considerable authority and greater culpability in the eyes of the people. An architelōnēs supervised other tax collectors, indicating he managed an entire region's tax collection system and undoubtedly accumulated great wealth from this role, often through exploitative means. His position places him at the very top of a despised profession, making his encounter with Jesus even more extraordinary.
• publicans (τελῶναι - telōnai): These were Jewish tax collectors for the Roman government. They were despised by their fellow Jews not only for collaborating with the occupying power but also for routinely extorting more than was due, keeping the surplus. They were considered "sinners" (Luke 19:7) and were ritually unclean, separated from religious and social life.
• and he was rich (καὶ αὐτὸς ἦν πλούσιος - kai autos ēn plousios): This detail is crucial. While not all tax collectors were rich, a chief tax collector would certainly be so. His wealth was undoubtedly tied to his oppressive profession. This immediately connects Zacchaeus to other New Testament narratives concerning the wealthy, such as the rich young ruler, highlighting the biblical challenge often posed by riches and their potential hindrance to entering God's Kingdom. Luke often addresses themes of wealth and poverty.

Words-group Analysis:

• "Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich": This entire phrase functions as a powerful, ironic, and impactful character introduction. His name implies purity, while his profession and wealth indicate his perceived corruption and oppression. Luke carefully paints a picture of a man at the peak of what society considered ignoble, setting the stage for Jesus' revolutionary act of associating with and transforming such an individual. It highlights the divine initiative in reaching out to those seen as "unreachable."

Luke 19 2 Bonus section

The name "Zacchaeus" meaning "pure" or "righteous" stands in stark contrast to his occupational identity and public reputation. This intentional linguistic irony used by the evangelist enhances the dramatic impact of his subsequent transformation. Furthermore, Zacchaeus's unique title, "chief tax collector" (architelōnēs), is singular in the New Testament, emphasizing his high-ranking position within a corrupt system and thus amplifying the social significance of Jesus' willingness to enter his house. This narrative also provides a parallel, yet contrasting, example to the rich young ruler (Luke 18:18-30), demonstrating that while great wealth can be an obstacle to the Kingdom of God, it is not an insurmountable one for those whom God draws and who respond with repentance and radical generosity.

Luke 19 2 Commentary

Luke 19:2 provides a precise and impactful introduction to Zacchaeus, framing him as a key figure in the narrative of Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem. The descriptor "chief among the publicans" underscores his significant position and wealth, acquired through a profession that automatically categorized him as a social and religious outcast. This detail intensifies the surprise and scandal of Jesus' later decision to dine with him. By highlighting Zacchaeus's wealth and disrepute immediately, the verse implicitly poses the question of how Jesus, who frequently associated with the poor and challenged the rich, would interact with such a figure. It lays the groundwork for a profound demonstration of God's grace extending to all, irrespective of social standing or past actions, and showcases Jesus' radical commitment to seeking and saving the lost, even those who might be seen as beyond redemption. This encounter further challenges the common religious belief of the time that only the "righteous" were worthy of God's favor.