Luke 19:3
New International Version
He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd.

New Living Translation
He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd.

English Standard Version
And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature.

Berean Standard Bible
He was trying to see who Jesus was, but could not see over the crowd because he was small in stature.

Berean Literal Bible
And he was seeking to see Jesus, who He is. And he was not able because of the crowd, for he was small in stature.

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

New King James Version
And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.

New American Standard Bible
Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and he was unable due to the crowd, because he was short in stature.

NASB 1995
Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature.

NASB 1977
And he was trying to see who Jesus was, and he was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature.

Amplified Bible
Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, but he could not see because of the crowd, for he was short in stature.

Christian Standard Bible
He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because of the crowd, since he was a short man.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because of the crowd, since he was a short man.

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

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He tried to see who Jesus was. But Zacchaeus was a small man, and he couldn't see Jesus because of the crowd.

Good News Translation
He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was a little man and could not see Jesus because of the crowd.

International Standard Version
He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he couldn't do so due to the crowd, since he was a short man.

Majority Standard Bible
He was trying to see who Jesus was, but could not see over the crowd because he was small in stature.

NET Bible
He was trying to get a look at Jesus, but being a short man he could not see over the crowd.

New Heart English Bible
He was trying to see who Jesus was, and could not because of the crowd, because he was short.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the crowd, because he was little of stature.

Weymouth New Testament
He was anxious to see what sort of man Jesus was; but he could not because of the crowd, for he was short in stature.

World English Bible
He was trying to see who Jesus was, and couldn’t because of the crowd, because he was short.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and he was seeking to see Jesus, who He is, and was not able for the multitude, because he was small in stature,

Berean Literal Bible
And he was seeking to see Jesus, who He is. And he was not able because of the crowd, for he was small in stature.

Young's Literal Translation
and he was seeking to see Jesus, who he is, and was not able for the multitude, because in stature he was small,

Smith's Literal Translation
And he sought to see Jesus, who he is; and he could not, from the crowd, for he was small in size.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he sought to see Jesus who he was, and he could not for the crowd, because he was low of stature.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he sought to see Jesus, to see who he was. But he was unable to do so, because of the crowd, for he was small in stature.

New American Bible
was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature.

New Revised Standard Version
He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he wanted to see who Jesus was; but he could not because of the crowd, for Zacchaeus was small in his stature.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he wanted to see who Yeshua was and he was not able to from the crowd because Zakkai was small in stature.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And he sought to see Jesus, who he was, and was not able on account of the multitude, because he was of small stature.

Godbey New Testament
And he was seeking to see Jesus, who He is; and was not able on account of the multitude, because he was small in stature.

Haweis New Testament
And he was desirous to have a sight of Jesus, what sort of person he was; and he could not, because of the crowd, for he was short of stature.

Mace New Testament
was very desirous to see the person of Jesus, but could not for the crowd, he being of a low stature.

Weymouth New Testament
He was anxious to see what sort of man Jesus was; but he could not because of the crowd, for he was short in stature.

Worrell New Testament
And he was seeking to see Jesus, Who He was; and was not able on account of the multitude; because he was small in stature.

Worsley New Testament
And he sought to see Jesus who He was; but he could not for the croud; for he was little of stature.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus and Zacchaeus
2And there was a man named Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, who was very wealthy. 3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but could not see over the crowd because he was small in stature. 4So he ran on ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Him, since Jesus was about to pass that way.…

Cross References
Mark 10:46-52
Next, they came to Jericho. And as Jesus and His disciples were leaving Jericho with a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting beside the road. / When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” / Many people admonished him to be silent, but he cried out all the louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” ...

Matthew 20:29-34
As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. / And there were two blind men sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” / The crowd admonished them to be silent, but they cried out all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” ...

John 12:21
They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.”

Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

John 1:45-46
Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One the prophets foretold—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” / “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.

John 3:2
He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.”

John 7:34
You will look for Me, but you will not find Me; and where I am, you cannot come.”

John 12:9
Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews learned that Jesus was there. And they came not only because of Him, but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.

Matthew 13:17
For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

Hebrews 11:13
All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

Isaiah 55:6
Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.

Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Amos 8:12
People will stagger from sea to sea and roam from north to east, seeking the word of the LORD, but they will not find it.

Psalm 119:2
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart.

Proverbs 8:17
I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me.


Treasury of Scripture

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

he sought.

Luke 9:7-9
Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; …

Luke 23:8
And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

John 12:21
The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

because.

Luke 12:25
And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?

Jump to Previous
Able Account Anxious Attempt Couldn't Crowd Jesus Little Multitude Press Seeking Short Small Sort Sought Stature Trying Unable View Wanted Zaccheus
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Able Account Anxious Attempt Couldn't Crowd Jesus Little Multitude Press Seeking Short Small Sort Sought Stature Trying Unable View Wanted Zaccheus
Luke 19
1. Of Zacchaeus a tax collector.
11. The ten minas.
28. Jesus rides into Jerusalem with triumph;
41. weeps over it;
45. drives the buyers and sellers out of the temple;
47. Teaching daily in it. The rulers seek to destroy him, but fear the people.














He wanted to see who Jesus was, but was unable due to the crowd, for he was small in stature
He wanted to see
The desire to see Jesus reflects a deep yearning for truth and understanding. In the Greek, the word "see" (ὁρᾶν) implies more than just physical sight; it suggests a desire to perceive and understand. This longing to see Jesus is emblematic of the human quest for spiritual insight and connection with the divine. Zacchaeus, despite his social status and wealth, recognizes a void that only an encounter with Jesus can fill. This speaks to the universal need for spiritual fulfillment that transcends material wealth and societal position.

who Jesus was
This phrase indicates a curiosity about Jesus' identity and nature. Zacchaeus had likely heard of Jesus' teachings and miracles, sparking a desire to know more about Him. The Greek word for "who" (τίς) suggests an inquiry into Jesus' character and essence. This reflects the broader question that many in the Gospels ask: "Who is this man?" It underscores the mystery and allure of Jesus' persona, which draws people from all walks of life to seek Him out. Historically, Jesus' reputation as a teacher and miracle worker would have spread rapidly, creating a buzz that piqued Zacchaeus' interest.

but was unable due to the crowd
The crowd represents a physical and symbolic barrier to Zacchaeus' quest to see Jesus. In the Gospels, crowds often symbolize the obstacles and distractions that prevent individuals from encountering Christ. The Greek word for "crowd" (ὄχλος) can also imply a multitude or throng, suggesting the overwhelming nature of societal pressures and expectations. This highlights the challenges believers face in pursuing a relationship with Jesus amidst the noise and demands of the world. Zacchaeus' determination to overcome this barrier is a testament to his earnestness and the transformative power of faith.

for he was small in stature
Zacchaeus' physical limitation is noted here, yet it serves as a metaphor for spiritual humility. The Greek word for "stature" (ἡλικία) can refer to both physical height and maturity. His short stature is a literal obstacle, but it also symbolizes the humility required to seek Jesus. In a society that often values physical and social stature, Zacchaeus' willingness to acknowledge his limitations and seek Jesus is a powerful lesson in humility and the importance of recognizing one's need for God. This humility is a prerequisite for spiritual growth and transformation, as it opens the heart to receive divine grace.

(3) He sought.--Better, was seeking. The verb expresses vividly the oft-repeated attempts of the man, little of stature, to get a glimpse of the Prophet as He passed.

For the press.--The word is the same as that elsewhere rendered "multitude" or "crowd." The motive is left to be inferred. It was not mere curiosity, for that would not have met with the Lord's warm approval. Had he heard that there was a publican like himself among the chosen disciples of the Teacher whom the people were receiving as the Son of David? Had some one told him of the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican? Had the fame of the miracle wrought on the entrance into Jericho made him eager to see the Worker?

He was little of stature.--The individualising feature may be accepted, in connection with what follows, either as a touch of consummate art, or a note of artless truthfulness.

Verse 3. - He was little of stature. Such a curious detail comes, of course, from some memoir written just at the time.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
He was trying
ἐζήτει (ezētei)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2212: To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.

to see
ἰδεῖν (idein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

who
τίς (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

was,
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

but
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

could not [see]
ἠδύνατο (ēdynato)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

over
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

crowd,
ὄχλου (ochlou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

he was
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

small
μικρὸς (mikros)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3398: Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity).

in stature.
ἡλικίᾳ (hēlikia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2244: Age, term of life; full age, maturity; stature. From the same as helikos; maturity.


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