King James Version

What Does Luke 19:7 Mean?

Luke 19:7 in the King James Version says “And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.”

Luke 19:7 · KJV

Context

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.

6

And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

7

And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.

8

And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

9

And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. The verb diagongyzō (διαγογγύζω, "murmured") conveys grumbling, complaining—the same word used of the Pharisees' complaint in Luke 15:2. The phrase "they all" (pantes, πάντες) suggests unanimous disapproval—the crowd that moments before pressed around Jesus now turns hostile at His association with Zacchaeus. Their complaint centers on Jesus becoming xenisthēnai (ξενισθῆναι, "to lodge as a guest") with hamartōlou andros (ἁμαρτωλοῦ ἀνδρός, "a sinful man").

The irony is profound: the crowd accurately identifies Zacchaeus as a sinner but fails to recognize their own sinfulness or need for grace. They see Jesus's fellowship with Zacchaeus as contamination rather than transformation. This murmuring echoes Israel's grumbling in the wilderness (Exodus 15:24, 16:2)—rebellion against God's grace masked as concern for righteousness. The same religious spirit that crucified Christ rejects the gospel of grace that welcomes sinners. The crowd's complaint sets up Jesus's climactic declaration: "The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (v. 10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The crowd's reaction reflects first-century Jewish purity regulations and social boundaries. Entering a tax collector's house would incur ritual defilement—contact with a collaborator who handled Gentile money and consorted with Romans. Religious leaders taught strict separation from sinners to maintain holiness. Yet Jesus consistently violated these boundaries (Luke 5:29-32, 7:36-50, 15:1-2), demonstrating that His mission was not to avoid sinners but to save them. The crowd's murmuring reveals their fundamental misunderstanding of God's kingdom—they expected Messiah to vindicate the righteous and condemn sinners, not to dine with tax collectors.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the crowd's murmuring reveal self-righteousness masquerading as concern for holiness?
  2. What does their unanimous disapproval teach about peer pressure and conformity to religious expectations?
  3. In what ways do modern Christians sometimes murmur against grace extended to 'undeserving' sinners?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
καὶ1 of 11

“And”

G2532

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

ἰδόντες2 of 11

“when they saw”

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

ἅπαντες3 of 11

“all”

G537

absolutely all or (singular) every one

διεγόγγυζον4 of 11

“it they”

G1234

to complain throughout a crowd

λέγοντες5 of 11

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὅτι6 of 11

“That”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Παρὰ7 of 11

“with”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

ἁμαρτωλῷ8 of 11

“that is a sinner”

G268

sinful, i.e., a sinner

ἀνδρὶ9 of 11

“a man”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

εἰσῆλθεν10 of 11

“he was gone”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

καταλῦσαι11 of 11

“to be guest”

G2647

to loosen down (disintegrate), i.e., (by implication) to demolish (literally or figuratively); specially (compare g2646) to halt for the night

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 19:7 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 19:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 7:34Luke 15:2Luke 7:39Matthew 9:11Luke 18:9-14Luke 5:30

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