Luke 19 3

Luke 19:3 kjv

And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.

Luke 19:3 nkjv

And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.

Luke 19:3 niv

He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd.

Luke 19:3 esv

And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature.

Luke 19:3 nlt

He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd.

Luke 19 verses

Luke 19 3 Meaning

Luke 19:3 describes Zacchaeus' earnest desire to behold Jesus. Despite physical and social barriers, he actively sought to perceive who Jesus truly was. The verse highlights his determination, setting the stage for Jesus' unexpected and redemptive encounter with him, emphasizing that human limitations do not hinder divine seeking.

Luke 19 3 Context

Luke chapter 19 begins with Jesus entering Jericho, a prominent and wealthy city due to its location on a trade route and fertile lands. It was a place where many tax collectors like Zacchaeus operated, often extorting their fellow Jews, making them reviled outcasts. This setting is crucial as Jesus is nearing Jerusalem for the Passover, culminating in His passion. The immediate verses (19:1-2) introduce Zacchaeus as a chief tax collector and wealthy. Luke 19:3 then sets up Zacchaeus' initial, physical struggle to simply see Jesus, which contrasts powerfully with Jesus' subsequent, deliberate act of seeing and saving Zacchaeus in the following verses. This moment highlights Jesus' consistent mission to engage with outcasts and demonstrates God's initiative in seeking those considered lost.

Luke 19 3 Word analysis

• and he was seeking (καὶ ἐζήτει, kai ezētei): The Greek verb zēteō (ζητέω) means to look for, to search for, to crave, or to inquire into. The imperfect tense indicates an ongoing, persistent action—Zacchaeus was actively and repeatedly trying to see. This wasn't a casual glance but a determined effort, suggesting a deep-seated curiosity or perhaps an emerging conviction about Jesus' identity or message, having likely heard much about Him.
• to see Jesus (ἰδεῖν τὸν Ἰησοῦν, idein ton Iēsoun): Idein (ἰδεῖν) is the aorist infinitive of horaō (ὁράω), which means to see, perceive, behold, or experience. It often implies a seeing with understanding or a perception beyond mere physical sight, akin to "beholding" or "comprehending" who He was. Zacchaeus wasn't just curious about His appearance, but sought to grasp the person and presence of Jesus, highlighting an inward yearning.
• who he was (τίς ἦν, tisēn): Literally "who he was." This phrase conveys a deeper curiosity beyond simple recognition. Zacchaeus was interested in Jesus' true identity, His nature, His authority, and the source of His renown. He sought to understand the "what" and "who" behind the miracle-worker and teacher. This suggests Zacchaeus had heard a significant amount about Jesus and his curiosity extended beyond simple public recognition to an understanding of His person.
• but was not able (καὶ οὐκ ἠδύνατο, kai ouk ēdynato): The Greek dynato (δυνατόν) means "to be able, powerful, strong." The negation indicates an inability, a lack of capacity to achieve his goal. This highlights the genuine obstacle.
• because of the crowd (ἀπὸ τοῦ ὄχλου, apo tou ochlou): The crowd (ochlos, ὄχλος) in biblical narratives often represents the multitude of common people, sometimes hindering access to Jesus, at other times demonstrating eager reception. Here, it is an impediment, physically blocking Zacchaeus, which can also symbolize the societal or religious barriers (like public opinion or religious strictures) that prevent people from drawing near to Christ. Zacchaeus' status as a tax collector likely meant he was shunned, further intensifying the physical and social blockage.
• for he was small (ὅτι τῇ ἡλικίᾳ μικρός ἦν, hoti tē hēlikia mikrosēn): Literally "for by the stature/age small he was." Hēlikia (ἡλικία) refers to age or stature/height. Here, it denotes physical shortness. This seemingly minor detail is profoundly significant. It emphasizes a personal, inherent physical limitation that could not be easily overcome. It paints a picture of a disadvantaged person. The juxtaposition of a chief tax collector's wealth with his physical smallness can be seen as ironic and perhaps emblematic of his social stature in the eyes of others.

Words-group analysis:

• and he was seeking to see Jesus, who he was: This phrase powerfully expresses a deeply personal and intellectual curiosity. It signifies not just an ephemeral interest but an intentional search for knowledge about Jesus' essence. It foreshadows the deeper encounter where Jesus "sees" Zacchaeus.
• but was not able because of the crowd, for he was small in stature: This clause paints a picture of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It juxtaposes external (the crowd) and internal/physical (short stature) barriers. This human inability highlights the subsequent divine enablement (Jesus calling him down), setting the stage for God's overcoming of human limitations. The obstacles contribute to the profound impact of Jesus’ attention to Zacchaeus, underscoring that human effort, though diligent, can fall short, necessitating divine intervention.

Luke 19 3 Bonus section

The detailed portrayal of Zacchaeus's physical limitations and his position (chief tax collector) serves several purposes within Luke's narrative. First, it underscores Jesus' mission, as declared later in verse 10, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Zacchaeus embodies "the lost" not just in terms of sin, but in social marginalization and apparent spiritual inadequacy. Second, it highlights the pattern of God often using the "least" or overlooked for His greatest purposes, as seen in many biblical figures like David or Moses' initial hesitation. Third, Zacchaeus's unusual method of climbing a tree (a sycomore fig) due to his smallness is an act of remarkable humility and desperation for a man of his standing, indicating a true breaking through of conventional barriers, both external and internal, driven by his desire for Jesus. This act demonstrates that spiritual breakthrough often requires stepping outside one's comfort zone or defying societal expectations.

Luke 19 3 Commentary

Luke 19:3 is a poignant portrait of a soul on the verge of breakthrough, yet confronted by significant obstacles. Zacchaeus, a man defined by wealth and social exclusion as a chief tax collector, demonstrates an unusual and intense longing to "see Jesus." His desire is not merely for a glimpse but to truly understand "who He was," indicating a yearning for comprehension beyond superficial acquaintance.

The verse emphasizes his inability due to two distinct, yet interconnected, impediments: the crowd and his own small stature. The "crowd" represents both physical obstruction and the collective judgment of society which would naturally push away someone like Zacchaeus. His "small stature" is a personal, immutable physical limitation. These barriers highlight a universal human experience of encountering challenges—whether external pressures or inherent weaknesses—in the pursuit of spiritual truth or connection with the Divine.

Crucially, Zacchaeus's determined seeking, despite these hindrances, paves the way for Jesus' initiative. His earnest desire and willingness to overcome personal and public barriers set the stage for one of the New Testament’s most striking demonstrations of divine grace and inclusion. This verse serves as a preamble, underlining Zacchaeus’s profound need and active desire that made him receptive to Jesus' radical invitation. It teaches that genuine seeking, even when impeded, is noticed by the Lord and prepares the heart for a life-altering encounter.