Lectionary Calendar
Friday, December 26th, 2025
the First Day after Christmas
the First Day after Christmas
video advertismenet
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
Attention!
StudyLight.org has pledged to help build churches in Uganda. Help us with that pledge and support pastors in the heart of Africa.
Click here to join the effort!
Click here to join the effort!
Read the Bible
Contemporary English Version
Luke 19:3
Jesus was heading his way, and Zacchaeus wanted to see what he was like. But Zacchaeus was a short man and could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree.
Jump to:Bible Study Tools • Parallel Bible Verse • Bible Contextual Overview • Bible Cross-References • Gill's Bible Notes • Clarke's Bible Notes • Barnes' Bible Notes
Bible Study Resources
Concordances:
- Nave'sDictionaries:
- AmericanEncyclopedias:
- InternationalDevotionals:
- EveryParallel Translations
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.
He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because of the crowd, since he was a short man.
King James Version (1611)
And he sought to see Iesus who he was, and could not for the prease, because he was litle of stature.
And he sought to see Iesus who he was, and could not for the prease, because he was litle of stature.
King James Version
And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
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.
And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in 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.
Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and he was unable due to the crowd, because he was short in stature.
New Century Version
He wanted to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because he was too short to see above the crowd.
He wanted to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because he was too short to see above the crowd.
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.
Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, but he could not see because of the crowd, for he was short in stature.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature.
Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and 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.
And Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and was unable because of the crowd, for 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.
He was trying to see who Jesus was, but could not see over the crowd, because he was small in stature.
Complete Jewish Bible
He was trying to see who Yeshua was; but, being short, he couldn't, because of the crowd.
He was trying to see who Yeshua was; but, being short, he couldn't, because of the crowd.
Darby Translation
And he sought to see Jesus who he was: and he could not for the crowd, because he was little in stature.
And he sought to see Jesus who he was: and he could not for the crowd, because he was little in stature.
Easy-to-Read Version
He wanted to see who Jesus was. There were many others who wanted to see Jesus too. Zacchaeus was too short to see above the people.
He wanted to see who Jesus was. There were many others who wanted to see Jesus too. Zacchaeus was too short to see above the people.
Geneva Bible (1587)
And he sought to see Iesus, who hee should be, and coulde not for the preasse, because he was of a lowe stature.
And he sought to see Iesus, who hee should be, and coulde not for the preasse, because he was of a lowe stature.
George Lamsa Translation
And he wanted to see who Jesus was; but he could not because of the crowd, for Zacchaeus was small in his stature.
And he wanted to see who Jesus was; but he could not because of the crowd, for Zacchaeus was small in his stature.
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.
He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was a little man and could not see Jesus because of the crowd.
Lexham English Bible
And he was seeking to see Jesus—who he was—and he was not able to as a result of the crowd, because he was short in stature.
And he was seeking to see Jesus—who he was—and he was not able to as a result of the crowd, because he was short in stature.
Literal Translation
And he was seeking to see Jesus, who He is. And he was not able, because of the crowd, and he was little in stature.
And he was seeking to see Jesus, who He is. And he was not able, because of the crowd, and he was little in stature.
American Standard Version
And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the crowd, because he was little of stature.
And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the crowd, because he was little of stature.
Bible in Basic English
Made an attempt to get a view of Jesus, and was not able to do so, because of the people, for he was a small man.
Made an attempt to get a view of Jesus, and was not able to do so, because of the people, for he was a small man.
Hebrew Names Version
He was trying to see who Yeshua was, and couldn't because of the crowd, because he was short.
He was trying to see who Yeshua was, and couldn't because of the crowd, because he was short.
International Standard Version
He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he couldn't do so because of the crowd. (He was short in height.)
He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he couldn't do so because of the crowd. (He was short in height.)
Etheridge Translation
and he wished [fn] to see Jeshu, who he was, and could not for the crowd, because in his stature Zakai was small.
and he wished [fn] to see Jeshu, who he was, and could not for the crowd, because in his stature Zakai was small.
Murdock Translation
and he wished to see Jesus, who he was; and could not, on account of the crowd; because Zaccheus was small in stature.
and he wished to see Jesus, who he was; and could not, on account of the crowd; because Zaccheus was small in stature.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
And he sought [meanes] to see Iesus, what he shoulde be, & coulde not for the preasse, because he was litle of stature.
And he sought [meanes] to see Iesus, what he shoulde be, & coulde not for the preasse, because he was litle 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.
And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the crowd, because he was little of stature.
World English Bible
He was trying to see who Jesus was, and couldn't because of the crowd, because he was short.
He was trying to see who Jesus was, and couldn't because of the crowd, because he was short.
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
And he sought to see Jesus who he was, and could not for the croud, because he was little of stature.
And he sought to see Jesus who he was, and could not for the croud, because he was little of stature.
Weymouth's 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.
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.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
And he souyte to se Jhesu, who he was, and he myyte not, for the puple, for he was litil in stature.
And he souyte to se Jhesu, who he was, and he myyte not, for the puple, for he was litil in stature.
Update Bible Version
And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the crowd, because he was little of stature.
And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the crowd, because he was little of stature.
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.
And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the crowd, because he was little of stature.
New English Translation
He was trying to get a look at Jesus, but being a short man he could not see over the crowd.
He was trying to get a look at Jesus, but being a short man he could not see over the crowd.
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.
And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.
New Living Translation
He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd.
He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd.
New Life Bible
Zaccheus wanted to see Jesus but he could not because so many people were there and he was a short man.
Zaccheus wanted to see Jesus but he could not because so many people were there and he was a short man.
New Revised Standard
He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature.
He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
And he was seeking to see Jesus, what sort of man he was, and could not for the multitude, because, in stature, he was, small.
And he was seeking to see Jesus, what sort of man he was, and could not for the multitude, because, in stature, he was, small.
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.
And he sought to see Jesus who he was: and he could not for the crowd, because he was low of stature.
Revised Standard Version
And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature.
And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature.
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
And he made meanes to se Iesus what he shuld be: and coulde not for the preace because he was of a lowe stature.
And he made meanes to se Iesus what he shuld be: and coulde not for the preace because he was of a lowe 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,
and he was seeking to see Jesus, who he is, and was not able for the multitude, because in stature he was small,
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
and desyred to se Iesus what he shulde be, and he coulde not for the people, for he was lowe of stature.
and desyred to se Iesus what he shulde be, and he coulde not for the people, for he was lowe of stature.
Mace New Testament (1729)
was very desirous to see the person of Jesus, but could not for the crowd, he being of a low stature.
was very desirous to see the person of Jesus, but could not for the crowd, he being of a low stature.
Simplified Cowboy Version
He wanted to see the man that everyone was talking about, but he couldn't see over the throng of people because he was a short fellow.
He wanted to see the man that everyone was talking about, but he couldn't see over the throng of people because he was a short fellow.
Contextual Overview
1 Jesus was going through Jericho, 2 where a man named Zacchaeus lived. He was in charge of collecting taxes and was very rich. 3Jesus was heading his way, and Zacchaeus wanted to see what he was like. But Zacchaeus was a short man and could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree. 5 When Jesus got there, he looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, hurry down! I want to stay with you today." 6 Zacchaeus hurried down and gladly welcomed Jesus. 7 Everyone who saw this started grumbling, "This man Zacchaeus is a sinner! And Jesus is going home to eat with him." 8 Later that day Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "I will give half of my property to the poor. And I will now pay back four times as much to everyone I have ever cheated." 9 Jesus said to Zacchaeus, "Today you and your family have been saved, because you are a true son of Abraham. 10 The Son of Man came to look for and to save people who are lost."
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
he sought: Luke 9:7-9, Luke 23:8, John 12:21
because: Luke 12:25
Reciprocal: Matthew 18:17 - a publican Mark 5:24 - and thronged Acts 24:24 - he sent
Cross-References
Genesis 19:6
Lot went outside and shut the door behind him.
Lot went outside and shut the door behind him.
Genesis 19:8
I have two daughters who have never been married. I'll bring them out, and you can do what you want with them. But don't harm these men. They are guests in my home."
I have two daughters who have never been married. I'll bring them out, and you can do what you want with them. But don't harm these men. They are guests in my home."
Genesis 19:28
He looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and saw smoke rising from all over the land—it was like a flaming furnace.
He looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and saw smoke rising from all over the land—it was like a flaming furnace.
Genesis 19:29
When God destroyed the cities of the valley where Lot lived, he remembered his promise to Abraham and saved Lot from the terrible destruction.
When God destroyed the cities of the valley where Lot lived, he remembered his promise to Abraham and saved Lot from the terrible destruction.
Genesis 21:8
The time came when Sarah no longer had to nurse Isaac, and on that day Abraham gave a big feast.
The time came when Sarah no longer had to nurse Isaac, and on that day Abraham gave a big feast.
Exodus 12:15
For seven days you must eat bread made without yeast. And on the first of these seven days, you must remove all yeast from your homes. If you eat anything made with yeast during this festival, you will no longer be part of Israel.
For seven days you must eat bread made without yeast. And on the first of these seven days, you must remove all yeast from your homes. If you eat anything made with yeast during this festival, you will no longer be part of Israel.
Exodus 12:39
They left Egypt in such a hurry that they did not have time to prepare any food except the bread dough made without yeast. So they baked it and made thin bread.
They left Egypt in such a hurry that they did not have time to prepare any food except the bread dough made without yeast. So they baked it and made thin bread.
Judges 6:19
Gideon went home and killed a young goat, then started boiling the meat. Next, he opened a big sack of flour and made it into thin bread. When the meat was done, he put it in a basket and poured the broth into a clay cooking pot. He took the meat, the broth, and the bread and placed them under the big tree.
Gideon went home and killed a young goat, then started boiling the meat. Next, he opened a big sack of flour and made it into thin bread. When the meat was done, he put it in a basket and poured the broth into a clay cooking pot. He took the meat, the broth, and the bread and placed them under the big tree.
1 Samuel 28:24
Right away the woman killed a calf that she had been fattening up. She cooked part of the meat and baked some thin bread.
Right away the woman killed a calf that she had been fattening up. She cooked part of the meat and baked some thin bread.
2 Kings 4:8
Once, while Elisha was in the town of Shunem, he met a rich woman who invited him to her home for dinner. After that, whenever he was in Shunem, he would have a meal there with her and her husband.
Once, while Elisha was in the town of Shunem, he met a rich woman who invited him to her home for dinner. After that, whenever he was in Shunem, he would have a meal there with her and her husband.
Gill's Notes on the Bible
And he sought to see Jesus who he was,.... What sort of a person he was for complexion, stature, and age: having heard much of him, he was very desirous of indulging his curiosity with a sight of him; having, as yet, nothing else that induced him to desire to see him: his desire to see Jesus was not of the same kind with the kings and prophets, Matthew 13:16 but rather like that of Herod,
Luke 23:8
and could not for the press; the multitude of people that were flocking to meet Jesus, or who came before him, or were about him; for one part of the multitude went before him, and the other followed after him; so that he was in the crowd, and therefore could not easily be seen;
because he was little of stature. The Syriac and Persic versions read, "because Zacchaeus was little of stature", lest it should be thought that this is said of Jesus; for the reason why Zacchaeus could not see him for the crowd, was not because Christ was little of stature, and was hid among them, but because Zacchaeus was little of stature, and could not see over their heads.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
Who he was - Rather “what sort of person,” he was, or how he appeared. He had that curiosity which is natural to people to see one of whom they have heard much. It would seem, also, that in this case mere “curiosity” led to his conversion and that of his family. Compare 1 Corinthians 14:23-25. God makes use of every principle - of curiosity, or sympathy, or affection, or hope, or fear - to lead people in the way of salvation, and to impress truth on the minds of sinners.
The press - The crowd; the multitude that surrounded Jesus. Earthly princes are often borne in splendid equipages, or even carried, as in Eastern nations, in palanquins on the shoulders of people. Jesus mingled with the multitude, not seeking distinctions of that sort, and perhaps, “in appearance,” not distinguished from thousands that followed him.
Little of stature - Short. Not a tall man.
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse Luke 19:3. And he sought to see Jesus who he was — So the mere principle of curiosity in him led to his conversion and salvation, and to that of his whole family, Luke 19:9.
