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Portrait of ZacchaeusPortrait · Zacchaeus

Gospels · New Testament

Zacchaeus

Tax Collector Who Welcomed Jesus

Name meaning
Pure or innocent
Name origin
Greek: Ζακχαῖος (Zacchaios), from Hebrew Zakkai, “pure”

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Chief tax collector
Birthplace
Jericho
Modern-day location
Jericho, in the present-day West Bank.
Family
  • No family named; household welcomed Jesus
First mention
Luke 19:1-2
Last mention
Luke 19:10
Key artifacts
  • Sycamore tree
  • Tax ledger
  • Meal table

Key verses

  • “Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.”

    Luke 19:5

  • “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor.”

    Luke 19:8

  • “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

    Luke 19:10

Biography

Early Life

Zacchaeus was a wealthy chief tax collector in Jericho, short in stature and eager to see Jesus.

Defining Biblical Moments

He climbed a sycamore tree to see over the crowd. Jesus called him down and stayed at his house; Zacchaeus promised to give to the poor and repay those he had defrauded.

Strengths

Zacchaeus showed eagerness to seek Jesus and concrete repentance through restitution and generosity.

Weaknesses & Lessons

His wealth came through a distrusted occupation; the story stresses changed conduct rather than words alone.

Life Lessons for Today

His wealth came through a distrusted occupation; the story stresses changed conduct rather than words alone.

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Zacchaeus appears in The Life of Jesus & The Early Church, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #49 in The Life of Jesus & The Early Church

The Life of Jesus & The Early Church front cover

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