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Luke 19:4

Luke 19:4 in Multiple Translations

So he ran on ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Him, since Jesus was about to pass that way.

And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

And he ran on before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

And he went quickly in front of them and got up into a tree to see him, for he was going that way.

So he ran ahead, and climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus as he passed by.

Wherefore he ranne before, and climed vp into a wilde figge tree, that he might see him: for he should come that way.

and having run forward before, he went up on a sycamore, that he may see him, because through that [way] he was about to pass by.

He ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was going to pass that way.

And he ran before, and climbed up upon a sycamore-tree to see him; for he was to pass that way .

And running before, he climbed up into a sycamore tree, that he might see him; for he was to pass that way.

So he ran further ahead along the road that Jesus was walking on. He climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see Jesus.

So he ran up the road ahead of Jesus and climbed up into a tree, and he saw Jesus from up high in that tree.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Luke 19:4

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Luke 19:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK και προδραμων εμπροσθεν ανεβη επι συκομωραιαν ινα ιδη αυτον οτι εκεινης εμελλεν διερχεσθαι
και kai G2532 and Conj
προδραμων protrechō G4390 to outrun Verb-2AAP-NSM
εμπροσθεν emprosthen G1715 before Adv
ανεβη anabainō G305 to ascend Verb-2AAI-3S
επι epi G1909 upon/to/against Prep
συκομωραιαν sukomōraia G4809 sycamore tree Noun-ASF
ινα hina G2443 in order that/to Conj
ιδη horaō G3708 to see: see Verb-2AAS-3S
αυτον autos G846 it/s/he Pron-ASM
οτι hoti G3754 that/since: that Conj
εκεινης ekeinos G1565 that Dem-GSF
εμελλεν mellō G3195 to ensue Verb-IAI-3S
διερχεσθαι dierchomai G1330 to pass through Verb-PNN
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Luke 19:4

και kai G2532 "and" Conj
And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.
Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.
προδραμων protrechō G4390 "to outrun" Verb-2AAP-NSM
To outrun means to run forward and outstrip others, as seen in John 20:4 where two disciples ran to the tomb. It is about moving ahead quickly.
Definition: προ-τρέχω [in LXX: 1Ki.8:11 (פָּנִים רוּץ), Job.41:13 (14) A (דּוּץ), Tob.11:3 (before ἔμπροσθεν), 1Ma.16:21 * ;] __1. to run forward. __2. to run on, run in advance: Jhn.20:4; before εἰς τὸ ἔμπροσθεν, Luk.19:4.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: outrun, run before See also: John 20:4; Luke 19:4.
εμπροσθεν emprosthen G1715 "before" Adv
Before something in place or time, like in front of a person or thing, as seen in Matthew 5:24 and Luke 19:4.
Definition: ἔμ-προσθεν adv. of place (in cl. also of time), [in LXX chiefly for עֳנִי ;] __1. adverbially, before, in front: Luk.19:28; εἰς τὸ ἔ., Luk.19:4; opposite to ὄπισθεν, Rev.4:6; opposite to τὰ ὀπίσω, τὰ ἔ., Php.3:13. __2. As prep., before; __(a) in front of: Mat.5:24 6:2 7:6 11:10 27:29, Luk.5:19 7:27 14:2, Jhn.3:28 10:4, Rev.19:10 22:8; __(b) in the presence of: Mat.27:11, Gal.2:14, 1Th.1:3 2:19 3:9 3:13; ὁμολουεῖν, ἀρνεῖσθαι (Dalman, Words, 210), Mat.10:32, 36 26:70, Luk.12:8; in forensic sense, Mat.25:32 27:11, Luk.21:36, Act.18:17, 2Co.5:10, 1Th.2:19, I Jn 3:19; εὐδοκία (θέλημά) ἐστι ἔ. θεοῦ (a targumic formula; Dalman, Words, 211), Mat.11:26 18:14, Luk.10:21; __(with) in the sight of: Mat.5:16 6:1 17:2 23:14, Mrk.2:12 9:2, Luk.19:27, Jhn.12:37, Act.10:4; __(d) of rank and dignity (Dem., Plat., al.; LXX, Gen.48:20): Jhn.1:15, 30.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 45 NT verses. KJV: against, at, before, (in presence, sight) of See also: 1 John 3:19; Luke 21:36; Revelation 4:6.
ανεβη anabainō G305 "to ascend" Verb-2AAI-3S
To ascend or go up, as in Matthew 20:17 and Luke 19:4. It can be physical, like climbing a tree, or metaphorical, like rising to a challenge. Ascending can also refer to spiritual growth or development.
Definition: ἀναβαίνω [in LXX chiefly for עָלָה ;] to go up, ascend, __(a) of persons: ἐπί συκομωρέαν, Luk.19:4; εἰς τ. πλοῖον, Mrk.6:51; εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα, Mat.20:17; εἰς τ. ἱερόν, with inf. (M, Pr., 205), Luk.18:10; with mention of place of departure, Mat.3:16 (ἀπό), Act.8:39 (ἐκ); __(b) of things, to rise, spring up, come up: a fish, Mat.17:27; smoke, Rev.8:4; plants growing, Mat.13:7; metaphorically, of things coming up in one's mind (as Heb. לֵב אֵל עָלָה; 4Ki.12:4, al.), Luk.24:38, 1Co.2:9; of prayers, Act.10:4; messages, Act.21:31 (for late exx., see MM, VGT, see word) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 76 NT verses. KJV: arise, ascend (up), climb (go, grow, rise, spring) up, come (up) See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Luke 2:4; Revelation 4:1.
επι epi G1909 "upon/to/against" Prep
A preposition meaning upon, to, or against, often used to show location or direction, like in Matthew 6:10 where Jesus teaches us to pray for God's will to be done on earth. It can also indicate a sense of time or order.
Definition: ἐπί (before a smooth breathing ἐπ᾽, before a rough breathing ἐφ᾽), prep. with genitive, dative, accusative (accusative most frequently in NT), with primary sense of superposition, on, upon. __I. C. genitive, __1. of place, answering the question, where? __(a) of the place on which, on, upon: ἐπὶ (τ.) γῆς, Mat.6:10, 19, al.; τ. κεφαλῆς, 1Co.11:10; τ. νεφελῶν, Mat.24:3o, al.; like ἐν, in constr. praegn. after verbs of motion: βάλλειν, Mrk.4:26; σπείρειν, ib. 31; ἔρχεσθαι, Heb.6:7, al.; figuratively, ἐπ᾽ ἀληθείας (MM, see word ἀ.); of the subject of thought or speech, Gal.3:16; of power or authority, over, πάντων, Rom.9:5: τ. γάζης, Act.8:27; ἐξουσία, Rev.2:26 20:6; __(b) of vicinity, at, by: τ. θαλάσσης, Jhn.6:9; τ. ὁδοῦ, Mat.21:19; τοῦ βάτου, Mrk.12:26 (see Swete, in l.); with genitive of person(s), in the presence of, before, Mat.28:14, Act.23:30, 1Co.6:1, al. __2. Of time, __(a) with genitive of person(s), in the time of: ἐπὶ Ἐλισαίου, Luk.4:27; ἐπὶ Κλαυδίου, Act.11:28; ἐπὶ Ἀβιάθαρ ἀρχιερέως, when A. was high priest, Mrk.2:26; __(b) with genitive of thing(s), at, at the time of: Mat.1:11, Heb.1:2, 2Pe.3:3; ἐπὶ τ. προσευχῶν, Rom.1:10, Eph.1:16, 1Th.1:2, Phm 4. __II. C. dative, of place, answering the question, where? __(a) lit., on, upon: Mat.9:16, 14:8, al.; after verbs of motion (see supr., I, 1, (a)), Mat.9:16 Act.8:16; above, Luk.23:38; at, by, Mrk.13:29, Jhn.5:2, Act.5:9, al.; __(b) metaphorically, upon, on the ground of, Luk.4:4 (LXX); in the matter of, Mrk.6:52 (see Swete, in l.); upon, of, concerning, Act.5:35, 40; of the ground, reason or motive (Bl., §38, 2; 43, 3), Mat.18:3 19:9, Rom.12:12, al.; ἐφ᾽ ᾧ, for the reason that, because, Rom.5:12 2Co.5:4; after verbs of motion, over, Mat.18:13, Rom.16:19, al.; of a condition (cl.), Rom.8:20, 1Co.9:10; ἐπὶ δυσὶ μάρτυσιν (see Westc. on Heb.9:10), Heb.10:28; of purpose or aim, Eph.2:10, Php.4:10; of authority, over, Mat.24:47 Luk.12:44; of hostility, with dative of person(s) (cl.), against, Luk.12:52; in addition to (cl.), 2Co.7:13; of an adjunct, in, at, on, Php.1:3 2:17. __III. C. accusative, __1. of place of motion upon or over, answering the question, whither? __(a) lit., upon, over: Mat.14:28, 29, Luk.5:19, al. mult.; in NT also, answering the question, where? (as with genitive, dative), Mrk.4:38 11:2, Luk.2:25, Jhn.1:32; ἐπὶ τ. αὐτό, Act.1:15 2:1, al.; of motion to a vicinity, to, Mrk.16:2, Act.8:36, al.; __(b) metaphorically (in wh. "the accusative is more widely prevalent than it strictly should be," Bl., §43, 1); of blessings, evils, etc., coming upon one, with accusative of person(s), Mat.10:13 12:28, Act.2:17, Jhn.18:4, Eph.5:6, al.; of addition (dative in cl.), λύπη ἐπὶ λύπην, Php.2:27; ἐπικαλεῖν ὄνομα ἐπί (see: ἐπικαλέω), Act.15:17, Jas.2:7; καλεῖν ἐπί, to call after, Luk.1:59; of number or degree: ἐπὶ τρίς (cl. εἰς τ.), thrice, Act.10:16 11:10; ἐπὶ πλεῖον, the more, further, Act.4:17 2Ti.2:16 3:9 (see also infr., 2, (a)); ἐφ᾽ ὅσον (see infr., ib.), forasmuch as, Mat.25:40, 45, Rom.11:13; of power, authority, control, Luk.1:33, Act.7:10 Rom.5:14, Heb.3:6, al.; of the direction of thoughts and feelings, unto, towards, Luk.1:17 23:28, Act.9:35, 42, Rom.11:22, Gal.4:9, Eph.2:7, 1Ti.5:5, al.; of purpose, for, Mat.3:7, Luk.23:48; ἐφ᾽ ὅ πάρει (Rec. ἐφ᾽ ᾧ, Mat.26:50; of hostility, against, Mat.24:7, Mrk.3:24-26 10:11 13:8, Luk.9:5, Jhn.13:18, Act.7:54, 1Co.7:36, 2Co.1:23; Of reference, concerning, for (cl. usually dative), Mrk.9:12 15:24, Jhn.19:24, Rom.4:9. __2. Of time, __(a) during, for: Luk.4:25 (WH, txt., omits ἐπί), Act.13:31 16:18, Heb.11:30, al.; ἐφ᾽ ὅσον (χρόνον), as long as, for so long time as, Mrk.9:15 Rom.7:1, al. (for ἐφ᾽ ὅ in another sense, see supr., 1, (b)); ἐφ᾽ ἱκανόν (see: ἱ), Act.20:11; ἐπὶ πλεῖον (see supr., 1, (b)), yet longer, further, Act.20:9 24:4; __(b) on, about, towards (cl. εἰς): Luk.10:35 Act.3:1 4:5. __IV. In composition, ἐπί signifies: up, ἐπαίρω; upon, ἐπίγειος, ἐπιδημέω, ὠπικαθίζω; towards, επιβλέπω, ὠπεκτείνω; over (of superintendence), ἐπιστάτης; again, in addition, ἐπαιτέω; against, ἐπιορκέω, ἐπιβουλή. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 788 NT verses. KJV: about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, (where-))fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-)on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:4; Acts 4:33; 1 Peter 1:13.
συκομωραιαν sukomōraia G4809 "sycamore tree" Noun-ASF
The sycamore tree, also known as the fig-mulberry, is mentioned in Luke 19:4. It is a type of tree that produces fruit, and Zacchaeus climbed one to see Jesus. The sycamore tree is native to the Middle East.
Definition: συκο-μορέα (Rec. -μωραία, L, -μωρέα), -ας, ἡ, more commonly (so Aq., Sm., Psa.78:47, Isa.9:10) συκόμορος (σῦκον + μόρον, the black mulberry), a fig-mulberry, a sycamore: Luk.19:4 (cf. συκάμινος).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: sycamore tree See also: Luke 19:4.
ινα hina G2443 "in order that/to" Conj
This word means 'in order that' or 'to', showing purpose or result, as seen in Acts 19:4 and Romans 11:31. It's used to express a goal or outcome. In Ephesians 1:17, it's used to describe a purpose.
Definition: ἵνα, __I. adverb (poët., Hom., al.), __1. of place, where, whither. __2. of circumstance, when. __II. Conjunction, __1. prop., final, denoting purpose or end (cl.), that, in order that, usually the first word in the clause, but sometimes (cl. also) preceded by an emphatic word (Act.19:4, Rom.11:31 (?), Gal.2:10, al.); __(a) with optative (so in cl. after historic tenses): after a pres., Eph.1:17 (but WH, mg., subjc.; see Burton, §225, Rem., 2); __(b) with subjc.: after a pres., Mrk.4:21, Luk.6:34, Jhn.3:15, Act.2:25, Rom.1:11, al.; after a pf., Mat.1:22, Jhn.5:23 1Co.9:22, al.; after an imperat. (present or aor.), Mat.7:1, Mrk.11:25, Jhn.10:38, 1Co.7:5, al.; after a delib. subjc., Mrk.1:38, al.; after a fut., Luk.16:4, Jhn.14:3, 1Co.15:28, al.; after historic tenses (where optative in cl.; WM, 359f.; M, Pr., 196f.), Mrk.6:41 (impf.), Jhn.4:8 (plpf.), Mrk.3:14 (aor.), al.; __(with) in late writers (M, Pr., 35; Burton, §§198, 199), with indic., fut: Luk.20:10, 1Pe.3:1, al.; __(d) as often in eccl. writers (Thayer, see word), with indic. pres.: 1Co.4:6, Gal.4:17, al. (?; but V. Burton, §198, Rem.); __(e) εἰς (διὰ) τοῦτο, ἵνα: Jhn.18:37, 1Ti.1:16, al.; τούτου χάριν, Tit.1:5; __(f) elliptical constructions: omission of the principal verb, Jhn.1:8, 2Th.3:9, 1Jn.2:19, al.; of the final verb, Rom.4:16, 2Co.8:13, al. __2. In late writers, definitive, = inf. (WM, 420; Bl, §69, 1), that; __(a) after verbs of wishing, caring, striving, etc.: θέλω, Mat.7:12, al.; ζητῶ, 1Co.4:2 14:12; ζηλόω, 1Co.14:1, al.; __(b) after verbs of saying, asking, exhorting: εἰπεῖν, Mat.4:3, al.; ἐρωτῶ, Mrk.7:26, al.; παρακαλῶ, Mat.14:36, 1Co.1:10, al., etc.; __(with) after words expressing expediency, etc.: συμφέρει, Mat.18:6, Jhn.11:50, al.; ἱκανός, Mat.8:8, Luk.7:6; χρείαν ἔχω, Jhn.2:25, al, etc.; __(d) after substantives, adding further definition: ὥρα, Jhn.12:23 13:1; χρόνος, Rev.2:21; συνήθεια, Jhn.18:39; μισθός, 1Co.9:18. __3. In late writers, ecbatic, denoting the result, = ὥστε, that, so that (M, Pr., 206ff.; WM, 572; Bl., §69, 3; Burton, §223): Rom.11:11, 1Co.7:29, 1Th.5:4, al. (but see Thayer, see word); so with the formula referring to the fulfilment of prophecy, ἵνα πληρωθῇ, Mat.1:22 2:14, Jhn.13:18, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 626 NT verses. KJV: albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Timothy 5:20; 1 Peter 1:7.
ιδη horaō G3708 "to see: see" Verb-2AAS-3S
This word means 'to see' or 'to perceive', and can also mean 'to attend to' or 'to experience', like in Mark 6:38 and John 1:46. It's a key word for understanding and perceiving things.
Definition: ὁράω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for ראה, also for חזה, etc. ;] in "durative" sense (hence aor. act., εἶδον, pass., ὤφθην, fut., ὄψομαι, from different roots; see M, Pr., 110f.), to see (in colloq. even the present is rare, its place being generally taken by θεωρέω, see BL, §24). __1. Of bodily vision, to see, perceive, behold: absol., Mrk.6:38, al.; ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε, Jhn.1:46, al.; before ὅτι, Mrk.2:16, al.; with accusative, Mat.2:2, Mrk.1:10 16:7, Gal.1:19, al.; θεόν, Jhn.1:18, 1Jn.4:20, al. __2. to see with the mind, perceive, discern: absol, Rom.15:21; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.9:2 27:54, Act.8:23, Col.2:18, al. __3. to see, take heed, beware: ὅρα μή, with aor. subjc., Mat.8:4 18:10, Mrk.1:44, 1Th.5:15; id., sc. μὴ ποήσῃς, Rev.19:10 22:9 (Bl., §81, 1); before imperat. Mat.9:30 16:6, Mrk.8:15 __4. to experience: τ. θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; ζωήν, Jhn.3:36; τ. διαφθοράν, Act.2:27. __5. to visit: with accusative of person(s), Luk.8:20, Jhn.12:21, Rom.1:11, al.; with accusative loc, Act.19:21. __6. to see to, care for: Mat.27:4, Act.18:15 (cf. ἀφ-, καθ-, προ-, συν-οράω). SYN.: see: βλέπω. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 605 NT verses. KJV: behold, perceive, see, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 16:40; 1 Peter 1:8.
αυτον autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-ASM
This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.
Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.
οτι hoti G3754 "that/since: that" Conj
This Greek word means 'that' or 'because', used to introduce a reason or explanation. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 3:9 and Romans 8:38. It helps to show cause and effect in sentences.
Definition: ὅτι, conjc. (prop. neut. of ὅστις). __I. As conjc, introducing an objective clause, that; __1. after verbs of seeing, knowing, thinking, saying, feeling: Mat.3:9 6:32 11:25, Mrk.3:28, Luk.2:49, Jhn.2:22, Act.4:13, Rom.1:13 8:38 10:9, Php.4:15, Jas.2:24, al.; elliptically, Jhn.6:46, Php.3:12, al. __2. After εἶναι (γίνεσθαι): defining a demonstr. or of person(s) pron., Jhn.3:19 16:19, Rom.9:6, 1Jn.3:16 al.; with pron. interrog., Mat.8:27, Mrk.4:41, Luk.4:36, Jhn.4:22 al.; id. elliptically, Luk.2:49, Act.5:4, 9, al.; __3. Untranslatable, before direct discourse (ὅτι recitantis): Mat.7:23, Mrk.2:16, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:20, Act.15:1, Heb.11:18, al. (on the pleonastic ὡς ὅτι, see: ὡς). __II. As causal particle, for that, because: Mat.5:4-12, Luk.6:20, 21, J0 1:30 5:27, Act.1:5, 1Jn.4:18, Rev.3:10, al. mult.; διὰ τοῦτο ὅτι, Jhn.8:47 10:17, al.; answering a question (διὰ τί), Rom.9:32, al.; οὐκ ὅτι . . . ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι, Jhn.6:26 12:6. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1185 NT verses. KJV: as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; 1 John 5:2; 1 Peter 1:12.
εκεινης ekeinos G1565 "that" Dem-GSF
This word means 'that one' or 'that thing', as in Luke 18:14. It's used to point out a specific person or object. In the Bible, it helps distinguish between different things or people.
Definition: ἐκεῖνος, -η, -ο (ἐκεῖ), [in LXX chiefly for הַהוּא ,הוּא, and cogn. forms ;] demonstr. pron., that person or thing (ille), implying remoteness as compared with οὗτος (hic); __1. absol., emphatic he, she, it: opposite to οὗτος, Luk.18:14, Jas.4:15; ἡμεῖς, Heb.12:25; ὑμεῖς, Mrk.4:11; ἄλλοι, Jhn.9:9; ἐγώ, Jhn.3:30; to persons named, Mk 16:[10, 13, 20], Jhn.2:21; of one (absent) who is not named, contemptuously (Abbott, JG, §§2385, 2732), Jhn.7:11 9:28; with respect, of Christ, 1Jo.2:6 3:3, al.; referring to a preceding noun, Mrk.16:[10], Jhn.7:45; resumption of a participial subject, Jhn.1:33 9:37 10:1, Rom.14:14, al. (on its reference in Jhn.19:35, see Westc, in l.; Moffatt, Intr., 568; Sanday, Fourth Gospel, 77ff.). __2. As adj., joined, like οὗτος, to a noun with the article: Mat.7:25, Mrk.3:24, Jhn.18:15, al.; esp. of time, past or future: ἐν τ. ἡμέραις ἐ., Mat.3:1, Mrk.1:9, Act.2:18" (LXX), al.; ἐν ἐ. τ. ἡμέρᾳ, esp of the Parousia, Mat.7:22, Luk.6:23, 2Th.1:10, 2Ti.1:12; adverbially, ἐκεινής (sc. ὁδοῦ) = cl. ἐκεινῇ (Bl., §36, 13), that way, Luk.19:4. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 247 NT verses. KJV: he, it, the other (same), selfsame, that (same, very), X their, X them, they, this, those See also: 1 Corinthians 9:25; John 11:53; Hebrews 3:10.
εμελλεν mellō G3195 "to ensue" Verb-IAI-3S
To ensue means to be about to happen or to intend to do something, like when Jesus was about to suffer in Matthew 2:13. It involves a sense of purpose or duty. The Bible uses this concept to describe events that are going to occur, like in Acts 3:3 and Hebrews 8:5.
Definition: μέλλω, [in LXX: Job.3:8 (עָתִיד) 19:25 (אַחֲרוֹן); elsewhere for fut., and frequently in Wi, II, 4Mac ;] to be about to be or do; __1. with inf. (Bl., §62, 4; 68, 2; M, Pr., 114); __(a) of intending or being about to do of one's own free will: with inf. praes., Mat.2:13, Luk.10:1, Act.3:3 5:35, Heb.8:5, 2Pe.1:12 (Field, Notes, 240), al.; with inf. aor. (Bl., §58, 3), Act.12:6, Rev.3:16; __(b) of compulsion, necessity or certainty: with inf. praes., Mat.16:27, Luk.9:31, Jhn.6:71, Rom.4:24, al.; with inf. aor., Rom.8:18, Gal.3:23, Rev.3:2 12:4. __2. Ptcp., ὁ μέλλων: absol., Rom.8:38, 1Co.3:22; τὰ μ., Col.2:17; εἰς τὸ μ. (Field, Notes, 65); with subst., Mat.3:7 12:32 (ὁ αἰὼν ὁ μ.; LXX for עַד), Act.24:25, 1Ti.4:8, Heb.2:5, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 108 NT verses. KJV: about, after that, be (almost), (that which is, things, + which was for) to come, intend, was to (be), mean, mind, be at the point, (be) ready, + return, shall (begin), (which, that) should (after, afterwards, hereafter) tarry, which was for, will, would, be yet See also: 1 Corinthians 3:22; Hebrews 11:20; 1 Peter 5:1.
διερχεσθαι dierchomai G1330 "to pass through" Verb-PNN
To pass through means to traverse or go from one side to the other. In the Bible, it is used in Matthew 19:24 and Luke 2:35 to describe moving from one place to another.
Definition: δι-έρχομαι [in LXX for אֵבֶר, הָלַךְ, בּוֹא, etc. ;] __1. to go through, pass through; __(a) of things: Mat.19:24, Mrk.10:25, Luk.2:35, al.; __(b) of persons: Luk.19:4; with accusative loc., Luk.19:1, Heb.4:14, Act.12:10; before διά, with genitive loc., Mat.12:43, 1Co.10:1; before εἰς, Mrk.4:35; ἕως, Luk.2:15. __2. to go about: Luk.9:6, Act.20:25; of a report, to spread, go abroad (Thuc.), Luk.5:15 (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 41 NT verses. KJV: come, depart, go (about, abroad, everywhere, over, through, throughout), pass (by, over, through, throughout), pierce through, travel, walk through See also: 1 Corinthians 10:1; Acts 19:1; Hebrews 4:14.

Study Notes — Luke 19:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 9:10 “The bricks have fallen, but we will rebuild with finished stone; the sycamores have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars.”
2 Luke 5:19 but they could not find a way through the crowd. So they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
3 1 Kings 10:27 The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills.
4 1 Chronicles 27:28 Baal-hanan the Gederite was in charge of the olive and sycamore trees in the foothills. Joash was in charge of the stores of olive oil.
5 Amos 7:14 “I was not a prophet,” Amos replied, “nor was I the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore-fig trees.
6 Psalms 78:47 He killed their vines with hailstones and their sycamore-figs with sleet.

Luke 19:4 Summary

This verse tells us about a man named Zacchaeus who really wanted to see Jesus, so he climbed a sycamore tree to get a better view. He did this because he was small and couldn't see over the crowd, but he was determined to see Jesus. This shows us that sometimes we need to take extra steps to understand God's plan for our lives, just like Zacchaeus did. By seeking Jesus with all our heart, like it says in Jeremiah 29:13, we can have a deeper encounter with Him and understand His will for our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Zacchaeus climb a sycamore tree to see Jesus?

Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus because he was trying to get a glimpse of Him, but the crowd was too dense for him to see over due to his small stature, as mentioned in Luke 19:3. This act shows his determination to see Jesus.

What can we learn from Zacchaeus' actions in this verse?

We can learn from Zacchaeus' actions that sometimes we need to take extra steps to see Jesus and understand His will for our lives, just like Zacchaeus took the initiative to climb the tree. This is similar to what is taught in Matthew 7:7-8, where we are encouraged to seek and ask in order to find and receive.

Is this verse teaching us to be like Zacchaeus and climb literal trees to see Jesus?

No, this verse is not teaching us to climb literal trees, but rather it is showing us the importance of being willing to go the extra mile to encounter Jesus and understand His teachings, as seen in Luke 9:23 where Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and follow Him.

How does this verse relate to the concept of seeking God?

This verse relates to the concept of seeking God as it shows Zacchaeus actively seeking Jesus, which is in line with what is taught in Jeremiah 29:13, where it says that when we seek God with all our heart, we will find Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some 'trees' that you need to climb in your life to get a better view of Jesus and His plan for your life?
  2. How can you apply the determination of Zacchaeus to your own spiritual journey and pursuit of Jesus?
  3. In what ways can you take initiative, like Zacchaeus, to position yourself for a deeper encounter with Jesus?
  4. What are some 'crowds' in your life that may be hindering your ability to see Jesus clearly, and how can you overcome them?

Gill's Exposition on Luke 19:4

And he ran before,.... 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

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 19:4

And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 19:4

See Poole on ""

Trapp's Commentary on Luke 19:4

4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. Ver. 4. And he ran before] Forgetful of his rank and quality. Rich men and rulers use not to run, much less to climb trees, as boys do for birds’ nests. But his earnest desire to see his Saviour, and especially a gracious impulse of the Holy Spirit, made him thus seemingly immodest, and unmindful of keeping a decorum.

Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 19:4

(4) And climbed up into a sycomore tree.—The name of “sycomore” has been variously applied—(1) to a species of maple (Acer pseudo-platanus); (2) to the mulberry (Morus nigra), more properly, “sycamine,” as in Luke 17:6; and (3) to the fig mulberry (Ficus sycomorus). The last is the tree here meant. It grew to a considerable height in the Jordan valley, and was much used by builders and carpenters (1 Kings 10:27). The care taken by St. Luke to distinguish between the “sycamine” of Luke 17:6 (where see Note), and the “sycomore” here, may fairly be noted as an instance of botanical accuracy, such as was likely to be found in a physician. We can picture the scene to our mind’s eye—the eager, wistful, supplicating face looking down from the fresh green foliage (it was early spring), and meeting the gaze of Jesus as He passed,

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Luke 19:4

Verse 4. He ran before] The shortness of his stature was amply compensated by his agility and invention. Had he been as tall as the generality of the crowd, he might have been equally unnoticed with the rest. His getting into the tree made him conspicuous: had he not been so low of stature he would not have done so. Even the imperfections of our persons may become subservient to the grace of God in our eternal salvation. As the passover was at hand, the road was probably crowded with people going to Jerusalem; but the fame of the cure of the blind man was probably the cause of the concourse at this time.

Cambridge Bible on Luke 19:4

4. into a sycomore tree] Not the same as the sycamine (mulberry) of Luke 17:6, or with our sycamore (or pseudo-platanus) but the Egyptian fig, of which the low spreading branches are very easy to climb.

Barnes' Notes on Luke 19:4

A sycamore tree - See this described in the notes at Luke 17:6.

Whedon's Commentary on Luke 19:4

4. A sycamore tree—That is, a fig-mulberry tree; the tree with the leaves of a mulberry and a fruit like a fig.

Sermons on Luke 19:4

SermonDescription
Alfred Edersheim Sketches of Jewish Social Life - Part 1 by Alfred Edersheim Alfred Edersheim preaches about the historical and cultural context of the land of Palestine at the time of Jesus Christ, focusing on the significance of understanding the surround
St. Augustine Exposition on Psalm 37 by St. Augustine St. Augustine preaches about the importance of living righteously and trusting in God's judgment, highlighting the contrast between the fate of the righteous and the wicked. He emp
David Wilkerson Defiling the Inheritance by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the blessings and goodness of God in our lives. He compares the Israelites entering the promised land to belie
Francis Chan Experiencing God's Holiness by Francis Chan This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining boldness in speaking God's truth, even when faced with opposition or distractions. It highlights the need to return to a deep l
Zac Poonen (Through the Bible) Amos & Obadiah by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into the book of Amos, highlighting the historical context of the prophet's message to Israel, the significance of Amos being the first to write down a prophetic
Zac Poonen God Calls Those Who Are Faithful in Their Secular Work to Serve Him by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen reflects on the story of Amos, a simple shepherd chosen by God to be a prophet, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in our daily lives and work. He highlights how
T. Austin-Sparks Equipment for the Ministry by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that true equipment for ministry comes not from natural abilities or training, but from being filled with the Holy Spirit. He illustrates this through b

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