Zacchaeus

Portrait of Zacchaeus

Zacchaeus served as the chief tax collector in Jericho during Jesus' ministry, a role that made him wealthy yet deeply resented by fellow Jews for collaborating with Roman authorities and often engaging in extortion. When Jesus passed through the city, the short Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree to see him, only to be called down by name and invited to host the teacher at his home that day. In response, Zacchaeus repented publicly, vowing to give half his possessions to the poor and repay four times over anyone he had cheated. This account in Luke 19 underscores Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost, showing that genuine encounter with Christ can transform even those viewed as irredeemable outcasts.

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Biography

Occupation
Chief Tax Collector
Era
New Testament (c. AD 30)
Nationality
Jewish
New Testament New Testament Era Other Luke

Did You Know?

1

Zacchaeus's name derives from the Hebrew 'Zakkai,' meaning 'pure' or 'righteous,' creating an ironic contrast with his role as a despised tax collector who likely engaged in dishonest practices.

2

As a chief tax collector in Jericho, a major trade hub, Zacchaeus would have overseen a network of tax farmers, amassing wealth through the Roman system's oppressive collection methods that often involved extortion.

3

By climbing a sycamore-fig tree, Zacchaeus not only overcame his short stature but also risked public humiliation, as such trees were considered lowly and climbing them was unbecoming for a wealthy adult man in first-century Jewish culture.

4

Jesus' declaration that Zacchaeus was a 'son of Abraham' restored his social and religious standing, countering the common view that tax collectors had forfeited their covenantal identity through collaboration with Rome.

5

Zacchaeus's commitment to repay fourfold those he had cheated exceeded the Old Testament requirement for theft (which was double), demonstrating extraordinary repentance and aligning with his generous pledge to give half his possessions to the poor.

Key Passages

Zacchaeus in the Sycamore Tree

Luke 19:1-10

This story shows Jesus lovingly seeking out the despised and overlooked, offering salvation that transforms hearts and lives.

A1nd 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. 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. 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Read full chapter: Luke 19 โ†’

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