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 was trying to see who Jesus was
Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, was curious about Jesus, indicating a desire to understand His identity and mission. This reflects a common theme in the Gospels where individuals seek to know Jesus, often leading to transformative encounters. The act of seeking is significant in biblical narratives, as seen in Jeremiah 29:13, where God promises to be found by those who seek Him with all their heart. Zacchaeus's curiosity may have been sparked by Jesus's reputation as a teacher and miracle worker, as well as His association with sinners and tax collectors, which was unusual for a Jewish rabbi.

but could not see over the crowd
The crowd symbolizes the barriers that often prevent individuals from encountering Jesus. In the Gospels, crowds frequently gather around Jesus, sometimes hindering access to Him, as seen in the story of the paralytic in Mark 2:1-12. The crowd's presence highlights the widespread interest in Jesus's ministry but also the physical and spiritual obstacles that must be overcome to truly see Him. This can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual blindness or societal pressures that can obstruct one's view of Christ.

because he was small in stature
Zacchaeus's physical limitation is a literal obstacle, but it also serves as a metaphor for spiritual shortcomings. His short stature is a detail that emphasizes his determination to see Jesus despite personal limitations. In a cultural context, physical attributes were often seen as indicative of one's social status or favor with God, yet Jesus frequently subverts these expectations by valuing the heart over outward appearances, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7. Zacchaeus's small stature contrasts with his significant social position as a wealthy tax collector, highlighting the theme that God's kingdom is accessible to all, regardless of societal status or physical attributes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zacchaeus
A chief tax collector in Jericho, known for his wealth and his short stature. His desire to see Jesus demonstrates a curiosity or longing that transcends his social status and wealth.

2. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, whose presence in Jericho draws a large crowd. His reputation and teachings have sparked interest and hope among many, including Zacchaeus.

3. The Crowd
Represents the barriers and challenges that often stand between individuals and their pursuit of Jesus. The crowd's presence highlights the physical and social obstacles Zacchaeus faces.

4. Jericho
A significant city in biblical history, known for its walls that fell in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, it serves as the setting for Zacchaeus's encounter with Jesus.

5. The Sycamore Tree
Though not mentioned in verse 3, it becomes crucial in the following verses as Zacchaeus climbs it to see Jesus. It symbolizes the lengths one might go to overcome obstacles in seeking Christ.
Teaching Points
Overcoming Obstacles to See Jesus
Zacchaeus's determination to see Jesus despite his stature and the crowd teaches us the importance of perseverance in our spiritual journey.

Curiosity Leading to Transformation
Zacchaeus's initial curiosity about Jesus leads to a life-changing encounter. Our own questions and desires to know Jesus can lead to profound spiritual growth.

The Role of Humility
Zacchaeus's willingness to climb a tree, an undignified act for a man of his status, underscores the humility required to truly seek and encounter Christ.

Jesus's Accessibility
Despite the crowd, Jesus is accessible to those who earnestly seek Him. This encourages us to pursue Him regardless of the barriers we face.

The Impact of Personal Encounters with Jesus
Zacchaeus's account reminds us that personal encounters with Jesus can lead to repentance and transformation, impacting not only our lives but also those around us.(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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