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Ζακχαῖος (Zakchaios)

Zakchaios

Zacchaeus

G2195 · Greek · New Testament · 3 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
3 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The name Zakchaios refers to Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector described in Luke 19. It is a proper noun appearing only three times in the New Testament, all within this single narrative where Jesus visits Jericho.

Lexical sources trace the word to the Hebrew zakkay, meaning "pure" or "innocent." This etymology creates an ironic contrast with Zacchaeus’s profession as a tax collector, a role often viewed with suspicion in first-century Judea. The name likely serves as a literary marker, highlighting the theme of unexpected grace and transformation that defines the passage.

Translators consistently retain the form "Zacchaeus" rather than translating the meaning, preserving its identity as a specific historical figure. The word’s significance lies not in abstract theology but in its association with a man who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus and subsequently pledged to restore those he had cheated.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Zacchaeus means "pure," yet he was a chief tax collector in a society that viewed his profession as corrupt. This contrast highlights a central truth of the Christian faith: grace does not wait for us to clean ourselves up before we approach God. Jesus saw Zacchaeus not for what he had done, but for who he could become. The story invites us to consider how often we feel too broken or too far gone for divine favor.

When Jesus called him down from the sycamore tree, it was an act of unexpected inclusion. Zacchaeus’s response was immediate and tangible; he promised to restore those he had wronged fourfold. This transformation was not a performance for others but a natural result of encountering love. It reminds us that true change begins when we feel seen and valued by Christ.

Today, this narrative offers hope to anyone feeling isolated by their past mistakes. You do not need to earn your place at the table; you only need to respond to the invitation. Jesus still looks up, sees those on the margins, and calls them by name. His presence brings a peace that leads to genuine restoration in our lives and relationships.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Zacchaeus2×
  • Zacchaeus,1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • Ζακχαῖος2×
  • Ζακχαῖε,1×

Key Verses

  • Luke 19:2
    There was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.

    This verse introduces Zacchaeus as both wealthy and socially despised, establishing the tension that makes his transformation significant.

  • Luke 19:5
    When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.”

    Jesus initiates the relationship by calling him by name, showing personal attention rather than judgment.

  • Luke 19:8
    Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. If I have wrongfully exacted anything of anyone, I restore four times as much.”

    Zacchaeus’s pledge to repay fourfold demonstrates that genuine faith results in concrete acts of justice and restitution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Zacchaeus mean?

The name comes from the Hebrew word zakkay, which means "pure" or "innocent." This creates an interesting irony in the Gospel of Luke, as Zacchaeus was a tax collector, a role often associated with dishonesty and impurity in first-century Judea.

Why did Zacchaeus climb a tree?

He was short in stature and wanted to see Jesus passing through Jericho. The crowd made it difficult for him to move through, so he climbed a sycamore tree to get a better view, showing his earnest desire to meet Christ.

How is Zacchaeus different from other tax collectors in the Bible?

Unlike Matthew, who left his booth to follow Jesus immediately, Zacchaeus was already wealthy and entrenched in his profession. His story focuses on voluntary restitution and joyous reception of Jesus into his home, highlighting a transformation driven by grace rather than immediate discipleship.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Luke 3 verses
Luke 19:2

There was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.

Luke 19:5

When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I…

Luke 19:8

Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. If I have wrongfully exacted…