Luke 19 4

Luke 19:4 kjv

And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

Luke 19:4 nkjv

So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.

Luke 19:4 niv

So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

Luke 19:4 esv

So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way.

Luke 19:4 nlt

So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.

Luke 19 verses

Luke 19 4 Meaning

Luke 19:4 describes Zacchaeus' determined action to overcome his physical limitation (short stature) and social barriers (being a despised tax collector) in order to see Jesus. He ran ahead of the crowd and climbed into a specific type of tree, a sycamore fig, because he knew Jesus would pass by that exact spot. This verse highlights his extraordinary earnestness and initiative to get a view of the Lord, anticipating a brief window of opportunity.

Luke 19 4 Context

Luke chapter 19 begins with Jesus entering Jericho, a wealthy city where a large crowd has gathered to see Him. Among them is Zacchaeus, described as a chief tax collector and a rich man. Tax collectors were despised by the Jewish people, considered traitors who collaborated with the Roman oppressors and often extorted their own countrymen. Zacchaeus' wealth likely came from such practices, further alienating him from society. Due to his short physical stature, Zacchaeus could not see over the crowd, despite his prominent social position and wealth, which usually afforded him advantage. This created an obstacle to his intense desire to merely see Jesus. This immediate predicament, combined with the limited opportunity as Jesus was "about to pass that way," prompted Zacchaeus' unconventional and somewhat undignified actions described in Luke 19:4. The broader context of Luke's Gospel highlights Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost, often interacting with those on the fringes of society or considered "sinners," preparing for the climactic encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus in the following verses.

Luke 19 4 Word analysis

• So he ran on ahead (προδραμὼν - prodramōn):

  • προδραμὼν is an aorist active participle from protrechō (to run forward/ahead).
  • Signifies swift, purposeful action and eagerness. He did not simply walk faster; he ran, indicating a desperate urgency and overcoming typical dignity, especially for a man of his social standing. This "running ahead" suggests breaking from the usual crowd to find the optimal vantage point.

• and climbed up (ἀναβὰς - anabas):

  • ἀναβὰς is an aorist active participle from anabainō (to go up, ascend, climb).
  • Highlights the active, deliberate effort involved in ascending the tree. It was not a passive observation; it required physical exertion and resolve.

• into a sycamore fig tree (συκομορέαν - sykomorean):

  • συκομορέαν refers to the sycamore fig tree (Ficus sycomorus), common in Jericho.
  • Unlike European sycamores, this tree is a type of fig tree with low-spreading branches and a short trunk, making it relatively easy to climb.
  • Its name (sykon - fig, moros - mulberry) indicates a fig-like fruit but on a mulberry-like tree structure.
  • It was not a tall, majestic tree, potentially signifying Zacchaeus' humility in choosing such a common and accessible tree to fulfill his desire. For a wealthy man, climbing any tree was unusual; climbing a sycamore-fig tree was an act of profound self-humbling.

• to see him (ἰδεῖν αὐτόν - idein auton):

  • ἰδεῖν is the aorist active infinitive of horao (to see, perceive, behold).
  • This phrase clearly states Zacchaeus' primary motivation and purpose. It was not mere curiosity, but an earnest desire for a proper viewing, suggesting an intention to truly apprehend or observe Jesus.

• for he was about to pass that way (ἔμελλεν γὰρ δι’ ἐκείνης ἔρχεσθαι - emellen gar di' ekeinēs erchesthai):

  • ἔμελλεν is an imperfect active indicative of mellō (to be about to, intend to).
  • Emphasizes the imminent, fleeting nature of the opportunity. Zacchaeus recognized a critical, limited window of time.
  • The Greek phrase conveys a sense of predetermined itinerary or unavoidable course, reinforcing Zacchaeus' urgent need to act decisively to seize this specific moment. This was the precise path Jesus was designated to travel.

Luke 19 4 Bonus section

The specific mention of the "sycamore fig tree" can carry symbolic weight beyond its physical properties. Unlike lofty cedars or majestic oaks, the sycamore fig was a common, easily accessible, often-fruit-bearing tree. It did not symbolize nobility but rather provided shade and sustenance for common people. For Zacchaeus, a wealthy chief tax collector, choosing this humble tree signifies a willingness to descend from his social high ground, both literally and figuratively, to meet Jesus on common ground. His act of climbing up also mirrors a spiritual ascent; in his desperate effort to see the Lord, he inadvertently positioned himself not only physically higher but also spiritually ready for a divine invitation. This moment contrasts sharply with the rich young ruler (Luke 18:18-23), who was unwilling to sacrifice his possessions for the sake of the Kingdom. Zacchaeus' immediate, undignified actions set him apart, showcasing a raw, unfeigned spiritual longing that was immediately acknowledged and reciprocated by Christ.

Luke 19 4 Commentary

Luke 19:4 unveils the remarkable depth of Zacchaeus' desire to encounter Jesus. His actions, from running ahead (a rather undignified act for a rich, important figure) to climbing a sycamore fig tree (a lowly, common tree, also undignified), demonstrate an extraordinary humility and single-mindedness. Zacchaeus prioritized his desire to see Jesus above his social standing, personal comfort, and public image. This proactive, unreserved pursuit stands in stark contrast to his wealth and societal position, highlighting that spiritual hunger can transcend any social or physical obstacle. He recognized and seized a precise, brief window of opportunity, understanding that the encounter was momentary. This verse beautifully sets the stage for the powerful transformation to follow, illustrating that when genuine earnestness meets divine grace, astonishing encounters occur. It’s a powerful illustration of seeking God diligently despite personal limitations or societal expectations, believing that He is indeed passing by and can be seen.

• Practical Examples:
  • A busy executive prioritizing prayer time despite a packed schedule.
  • A student making extra effort to attend a Bible study despite academic demands.
  • Someone from a challenging background finding creative ways to engage with Christian community.