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 on account of the crowd, because 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. Berean Annotated Bible He was trying to see who Jesus (YHWH saves) was, but could not see over the crowd because he was small 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. 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe was trying to see who Jesus was, but could not see over the crowd because he was small 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 Versionand 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 on account of the crowd, because 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 BibleAnd 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 BibleAnd 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 TestamentAnd 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 (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) 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 He was trying to see who Jesus was, John 12:21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” Luke 18:35-43 As Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting beside the road, begging. / When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. / “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” they told him. … 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!” … but could not see over the crowd Luke 5:19 but they could not find a way through the crowd. So they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Mark 2:4 Since they were unable to get to Jesus through the crowd, they uncovered the roof above Him, made an opening, and lowered the paralytic on his mat. Mark 3:9-10 Jesus asked His disciples to have a boat ready for Him so that the crowd would not crush Him. / For He had healed so many that all who had diseases were pressing forward to touch Him. because he was small in stature. 1 Samuel 16:11-13 And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” / So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” / So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence. James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? 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!” … 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. 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 ZaccheusJump to Next Able Account Anxious Attempt Couldn't Crowd Jesus Little Multitude Press Seeking Short Small Sort Sought Stature Trying Unable View Wanted ZaccheusLuke 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 had heard enough about Jesus to seek a personal glimpse of Him. As a chief tax collector, he belonged to a class widely despised for its cooperation with Rome and frequent abuses in collecting revenue. Yet Jesus’ ministry to sinners and outcasts made Him a figure Zacchaeus could not ignore. Jhn 12:21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee,… but could not see over the crowd The large crowd showed the public interest surrounding Jesus as He passed through Jericho. It also prevented Zacchaeus from approaching or seeing Him directly, placing a practical barrier between him and Jesus. Luk 5:19 but they could not find a way through the crowd.… because he was small in stature. Though wealthy and influential, Zacchaeus was unable to overcome this simple physical limitation without effort. His determination to see Jesus set the course for the encounter that followed. 1Sa 16:11-13 And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons”… Persons / Places / Events 1. ZacchaeusA 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 JesusZacchaeus'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. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Luke 19:3?2. Why was Zacchaeus unable to see Jesus according to Luke 19:3? 3. How can we overcome obstacles in seeking Jesus like Zacchaeus did? 4. What does Zacchaeus's desire to see Jesus teach about spiritual hunger? 5. How does Zacchaeus's determination relate to Hebrews 11:6 about seeking God? 6. In what ways can we actively seek Jesus in our daily lives? 7. Why was Zacchaeus unable to see Jesus in Luke 19:3? 8. What does Zacchaeus' short stature symbolize in Luke 19:3? 9. How does Luke 19:3 challenge our understanding of social status and faith? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 19? (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. Zacchaeus’ short frame and a thick crowd cannot quench his God-given thirst to know “who Jesus was.” His determined quest illustrates how genuine seekers overcome obstacles—physical, social, or spiritual—because the Lord is drawing them. Luke 19:3 assures believers that no limitation is too great for Christ to surmount, and it invites us to pursue Him with the same resolute eagerness, confident that He will meet us in our honest, humble search.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek He was tryingἐζήτει (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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