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Luke 19:4

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 19:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he ran on before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he ran on before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
Luke 19:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 19

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1And he entered and was passing through Jericho.
2And behold, a man called by name Zacchaeus; and he was a chief publican, and he was rich.
3And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the crowd, because he was little of stature.
4And he ran on before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
5And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to-day I must abide at thy house.
6And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
7And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, He is gone in to lodge with a man that is a sinner.
← Luke 19:3Luke 19:5 →
← Full Chapter 19 Luke Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he ran before, etc.] Jesus, and the company that was with him; so very desirous was he of seeing him: and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: which sort of trees were very common about Jericho: hence we read of, hmqç lç twrwq, “beams of sycamore” in Jericho, which those that were strong took up in their arms, and the owners stood and devoted them to God f607; and among the things which the men of Jericho did, this was one, that they permitted the branches of trees devoted to sacred uses, and of the “charub” tree, and of the “sycamore”, to be cut down and used f608. This sort of trees used to grow in plains and valleys, as appears from some passages of Scripture, (<111027>1 Kings…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“sycamore--the Egyptian fig, with leaves like the mulberry.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“A sycamore tree - See this described in the notes at Luke 17:6. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“And running before - With great earnestness. He climbed up - Notwithstanding his quality: desire conquering honour and shame. Luke 19:5”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“19:4 climbed a sycamore-fig tree: This act was very undignified for a man of Zacchaeus’ power and wealth; it shows his genuine spiritual interest in Jesus.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“climbed: Luk 5:19 a sycamore: Kg1 10:27; Ch1 27:28; Isa 9:10; Amo 7:14 Luke 19:5”
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Related study paths

Read Luke 19 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification