Zacchaeus receives Jesus
Luke 19:1–10FocusSalvation and changed conduct
Connection to the wholeThe encounter displays Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost, with Zacchaeus' response taking concrete form.
interpretation Luke 19:17
KJVAnd he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
Read it in context
The entrusted pounds
Start reading at Luke 19:11 (Luke 19:11 to Luke 19:27).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Because hearers expect the kingdom to appear immediately, the parable addresses faithful work and accountability during an interval.
- 19:11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
- 19:12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
- 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
- 19:14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.
- 19:15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
- 19:16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.
- 19:17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
- 19:18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.
- 19:19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.
- 19:20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:
- 19:21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.
- 19:22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:
- 19:23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?
- 19:24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.
- 19:25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)
- 19:26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.
- 19:27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 19:1–19:48): Zacchaeus receives Jesus at Jericho; Jesus teaches those listening, enters Jerusalem before the crowd, and teaches in the temple while leaders seek to destroy Him. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The entrusted pounds. Read Luke 19:11 through Luke 19:27 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Because hearers expect the kingdom to appear immediately, the parable addresses faithful work and accountability during an interval. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account connects events with named rulers and begins before Jesus' birth, continuing through His resurrection and ascension. Those narrative dates do not themselves date composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Judea and Galilee and gives sustained attention to the journey toward Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The entrusted pounds (Luke 19:11 to Luke 19:27). Start reading at Luke 19:11. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour and records His explanation that the Scriptures concern His suffering and glory. Keep this broad claim alongside the particular passages He and the narrator actually connect. See Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Attend to repentance, mercy, prayer, and faithful response. Identify who is being addressed in a parable or rebuke before applying it to someone else. interpretation
Cited: Luke 19:11, Luke 19:27, Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name.
Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- Well Gen 39:4 1 Sam 2:30 Matt 25:21 Rom 2:29 1 Cor 4:5 2 Tim 2:10 1 Pet 1:7 1 Pet 5:4
- been Luke 16:10 Luke 22:30 Matt 25:21 Rev 2:26-29
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 19
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
FocusService during the king's absence
Connection to the wholeBecause hearers expect the kingdom to appear immediately, the parable addresses faithful work and accountability during an interval.
interpretation Entry, lament, and temple action
Luke 19:28–48FocusJerusalem's visitation
Connection to the wholeJesus enters Jerusalem, weeps over its failure to recognize the time of visitation, and acts in the temple as opposition intensifies.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The births and early years
Luke 1:1–2:52FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation Ministry and discipleship
Luke 4:14–9:50FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation Jerusalem and the temple
Luke 19:28–21:38FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation Passion, resurrection, and commission
Luke 22:1–24:53FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.