Zacchaeus

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: From Hebrew zakkai (“pure/innocent”), likely reflecting a Jewish name in a Greco-Roman setting
• Period/Era: Second Temple Period (Roman Imperial Context)
• Main References: Luke 19:1–10
• Key Connections: Jesus; Jericho; local tax administration under Roman rule

Who was Zacchaeus?

Zacchaeus was a “chief tax collector” and a wealthy man in Jericho.
He sought to see Jesus as Jesus passed through the city.
Because he was short, he climbed a sycamore tree to get a view.
Jesus addressed him by name and stayed at his house (Luke 19:1–6).

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Zacchaeus hosted Jesus in his home, drawing public criticism for Jesus’ association with a tax collector.
• Event 2: He publicly pledged to give half his goods to the poor and to repay fourfold anyone he had defrauded.
• Event 3: Jesus declared that “salvation has come” to his house and identified his mission as seeking and saving the lost.

Life Lesson & Legacy

Zacchaeus illustrates how an encounter with Jesus can lead to visible repentance expressed through restitution and generosity.

Key Verse

"And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.”" — Luke 19:8, ESV