King James Version

What Does Luke 19:3 Mean?

Luke 19:3 in the King James Version says “And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 19:3 · 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.

5

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. The verb ezētei (ἐζήτει, "he was seeking") suggests determined, persistent effort. Zacchaeus wanted to see tis estin (τίς ἐστιν, "who he was")—not merely to glimpse Jesus physically but to understand his identity and character. This seeking echoes the rich young ruler's question "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" (Luke 18:18), but Zacchaeus's actions demonstrate humility the ruler lacked.

The obstacle was twofold: the crowd (tou ochlou, τοῦ ὄχλου, "the press") and his stature (tē hēlikia mikros ēn, τῇ ἡλικίᾳ μικρὸς ἦν, "he was little of stature"). The word hēlikia (ἡλικία) can mean physical height or age; most interpreters favor height. Zacchaeus faced both physical and social barriers—too short to see over the crowd, too despised for anyone to make room for him. Yet his determination overcame both obstacles, illustrating that those who genuinely seek Christ will not be hindered by circumstantial barriers.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Crowds following Jesus were common during His final journey to Jerusalem. As a notorious chief tax collector, Zacchaeus would have been recognized and scorned by the crowd. In honor-shame culture, the crowd's refusal to make way for him was a deliberate social snub—his wealth could not purchase respect. His willingness to endure this public humiliation to see Jesus demonstrates the depth of his spiritual hunger, breaking through the pride that typically accompanies wealth and power.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Zacchaeus's determination to see Jesus 'who he was' reveal about his spiritual condition?
  2. How do physical and social barriers test the genuineness of our desire to encounter Christ?
  3. In what ways might the crowd's indifference or hostility parallel obstacles believers face in pursuing Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

ἐζήτει2 of 18

“he sought”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

ἰδεῖν3 of 18

“to see”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὸν4 of 18
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦν5 of 18

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

τίς6 of 18

“who”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἐστιν7 of 18

“he was”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

καὶ8 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

οὐκ9 of 18

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἠδύνατο10 of 18

“could”

G1410

to be able or possible

ἀπὸ11 of 18

“for”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ12 of 18
G3588

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

ὄχλου13 of 18

“the press”

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

ὅτι14 of 18

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τῇ15 of 18
G3588

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

ἡλικίᾳ16 of 18

“of stature”

G2244

maturity (in years or size)

μικρὸς17 of 18

“little”

G3398

small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)

ἦν18 of 18

“he was”

G2258

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

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 19:3 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 19:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 23:8Luke 9:7-9John 12:21

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