King James Version

What Does Luke 19:1 Mean?

Luke 19:1 in the King James Version says “And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.”

Luke 19:1 · KJV

Context

1

And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.

2

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

3

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

Read Luke 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. The Greek verb diērchetō (διήρχετο, "was passing through") indicates Jesus was traveling through Jericho en route to Jerusalem, not planning to linger. This seemingly casual detail sets up the dramatic interruption that follows—Zacchaeus's desperate pursuit of Jesus. Jericho was a wealthy city on the main road from Perea to Jerusalem, about 17 miles northeast of the holy city. This is Jesus's final journey to the cross (Luke 9:51), making every encounter along the way pregnant with significance.

Luke's narrative structure connects this passage to the previous healing of blind Bartimaeus (Luke 18:35-43), who cried out for mercy and received sight. Now another outcast—a chief tax collector—will receive salvation. The pattern reveals Jesus's mission: "The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). Both the physically blind beggar and the spiritually blind extortioner experience transforming encounters with Christ on the road through Jericho.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jericho was one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, known as "the city of palm trees" (Deuteronomy 34:3). By Jesus's time, it had become a prosperous center of balsam production and date cultivation. Herod the Great had built a magnificent winter palace there, and the city served as a customs station where taxes were collected on goods traveling from Perea to Judea. The city's wealth and strategic location made it a prime assignment for chief tax collectors like Zacchaeus, who would have overseen multiple toll collectors in the region.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is it significant that Jesus was merely 'passing through' Jericho rather than planning to stay?
  2. How does the location of Jericho on the road to Jerusalem add urgency to this encounter with Zacchaeus?
  3. What does the sequence of encounters in Jericho (Bartimaeus, then Zacchaeus) reveal about Jesus's mission to the marginalized?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 5 words
Καὶ1 of 5

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἰσελθὼν2 of 5

“Jesus entered”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

διήρχετο3 of 5

“and passed through”

G1330

to traverse (literally)

τὴν4 of 5
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰεριχώ5 of 5

“Jericho”

G2410

jericho, a place in palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 19:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 19:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 6:1-27Luke 18:35Joshua 2:12 Kings 2:18-221 Kings 16:34

Places in This Verse

Jericho 2Settlement · Modern: Tell el Alayiq · 31.85°N, 35.44°E5 verses across 3 books
View all places in Luke 19 →

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