New Testament
Luke 19:7
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the crowd reacts negatively to Jesus' decision to visit Zacchaeus, a tax collector viewed as a sinner.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
When they saw it, they all began to grumble, saying, 'He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.'
And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the crowd reacts negatively to Jesus' decision to visit Zacchaeus, a tax collector viewed as a sinner. Their grumbling reflects a common attitude of judgment and exclusion based on social status and perceived morality. Tax collectors were often despised in Jewish society for their collaboration with the Roman authorities and their reputation for dishonesty. By choosing to associate with Zacchaeus, Jesus challenges societal norms and demonstrates that his mission is to reach out to those marginalized and rejected by society. This moment highlights the theme of grace and acceptance, showing that Jesus values relationships over reputation. The crowd's reaction serves as a reminder of how easily people can judge others without understanding their circumstances or the transformative power of grace. Jesus' willingness to engage with sinners emphasizes the importance of compassion and outreach, encouraging believers to look beyond societal labels and extend love to all individuals, regardless of their past or present.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 19:7 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own attitudes towards those we consider 'sinners' or outsiders. Instead of judging, we should strive to show compassion and extend friendship to everyone, recognizing that everyone is worthy of love and redemption.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 19:7 mean?
Luke 19:7 shows the crowd's disapproval of Jesus visiting Zacchaeus, a tax collector seen as a sinner. Their grumbling highlights societal judgment and the exclusion of those deemed unworthy.
What is the significance of Jesus visiting a sinner in Luke 19:7?
Jesus visiting Zacchaeus signifies his mission to reach out to marginalized individuals. It challenges societal norms and emphasizes grace, acceptance, and the importance of relationships over reputation.
Why did the crowd grumble in Luke 19:7?
The crowd grumbled because they viewed Zacchaeus as a sinner and disapproved of Jesus associating with him. This reaction reflects their judgmental attitudes towards those they considered socially unacceptable.
What themes are present in Luke 19:7?
Key themes in Luke 19:7 include judgment, grace, acceptance, outreach, and compassion. The verse illustrates how societal labels can lead to exclusion, while Jesus promotes love and acceptance for all.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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