King James Version

What Does Luke 19:2 Mean?

Luke 19:2 in the King James Version says “And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 19:2 · 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.

4

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. Luke's idou (ἰδού, "behold") draws attention to this unlikely character. The name Zacchaeus (Ζακχαῖος, Zakchaios) derives from Hebrew Zakkai, meaning "pure" or "righteous"—deeply ironic given his profession. He was architelōnēs (ἀρχιτελώνης, "chief tax collector"), a term appearing only here in Scripture. This wasn't a common tax collector but the overseer of multiple collectors, making him doubly despised—both a Roman collaborator and an exploiter of fellow Jews.

The detail "he was rich" (kai autos ēn plousios, καὶ αὐτὸς ἦν πλούσιος) explains how he obtained his wealth: through systematic extortion. Roman taxation was farmed out to the highest bidder, who then extracted as much as possible to profit beyond the required amount. Zacchaeus's riches came from oppressing his own people. Yet Luke presents him as the unlikely recipient of grace, following Jesus's recent teaching that what is impossible with men is possible with God (Luke 18:27)—even a rich man entering God's kingdom.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Tax collectors (publicani) were among the most hated figures in first-century Judea. They collaborated with Rome's occupation forces and enriched themselves through oppression. A chief tax collector in Jericho would oversee a lucrative operation, collecting customs on balsam, dates, and other goods passing through this major trade route. Jewish religious law grouped tax collectors with prostitutes and Gentiles as those ritually unclean and outside covenant faithfulness. To dine with such a person was to incur ceremonial defilement and social disgrace.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the significance of the name 'Zacchaeus' (meaning 'pure') given his profession as a chief tax collector?
  2. How does Zacchaeus embody Jesus's teaching about the difficulty of rich people entering God's kingdom (Luke 18:24-25)?
  3. Why would a chief tax collector risk public humiliation to see Jesus?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἰδού,2 of 14

“behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἀνὴρ3 of 14

“there was a man”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ὀνόματι4 of 14

“named”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

καλούμενος5 of 14
G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

Ζακχαῖος6 of 14

“Zacchaeus”

G2195

zacchaeus, an israelite

καὶ7 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

αὐτὸς8 of 14
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἦν9 of 14

“was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἀρχιτελώνης10 of 14

“the chief among the publicans”

G754

a principle tax-gatherer

καὶ11 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

οὗτος12 of 14

“he”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἦν13 of 14

“was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

πλούσιος·14 of 14

“rich”

G4145

wealthy; figuratively, abounding with

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 19:2 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 19:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 18:24-27

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