New Testament
Luke 19:7
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When they saw it, they all began to grumble, saying, 'He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.'
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And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
What Luke 19:7 means
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.
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.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–10)
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Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
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.
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