And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

LUKE 19:6KJV
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Luke 19:6 (KJV)

What does Luke 19:6 mean?

Luke 19:6 describes how Zacchaeus quickly climbed down from the tree and gladly welcomed Jesus into his home. The verse shows Zacchaeus’s eagerness and joy in receiving Jesus after Jesus called to him.

In this scene, Jesus is passing through Jericho, and Zacchaeus—a tax collector—has climbed a tree to see him. When Jesus calls Zacchaeus by name and invites himself to Zacchaeus’s house, Zacchaeus responds immediately and with great happiness, highlighting his openness and excitement at this unexpected attention from Jesus.

The Greek behind Luke 19:6

  • The word translated “made haste” is σπεύδω (speudō), which means to hurry or act quickly. This emphasizes Zacchaeus’s eagerness and readiness to respond to Jesus without delay.
  • The word translated “received” is ὑποδέχομαι (hypodechomai), which means to welcome or receive someone as a guest. The Greek here carries the sense of warmly hosting someone, not just letting them in.
  • The word translated “joyfully” is χαίρω (chairō), meaning to rejoice or be glad. The Greek highlights that Zacchaeus’s welcome was not just polite but filled with genuine happiness.

Why Luke 19:6 matters

  • Luke 19:6 clarifies that Zacchaeus’s response to Jesus was immediate and enthusiastic, countering any idea that he was hesitant or reluctant.
  • The verse sets the tone for the rest of the story, where Zacchaeus’s joyful reception leads to a dramatic change in his life and a lesson about grace and acceptance.
  • Emphasizing Zacchaeus’s joy helps readers see the personal impact Jesus’s attention and acceptance had on someone who was often rejected by society.

Where else these words appear

“received” Greek G5264 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 10:38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
  • Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
  • James 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

“haste” Greek G4692 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
  • Luke 19:5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
  • Acts 22:18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

“joyfully” Greek G5463 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • John 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

“down” Greek G2597 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
  • Luke 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
  • Acts 10:21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?