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Luke 19: A short discussion on stature
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1. Luke 19: A short discussion on stature
Luke 19: A short discussion on stature Was Zacchaeus was a "wee little man"? The KJV (King James Version) translates as "stature", which is often taken as "height", a word that in the Greek has a primary meaning of "maturity" as in "age".
Was Zacchaeus was a "wee little man"?

2. Luke 19: A short discussion on stature
Verse routeLuke 19:3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι εζητει ιδειν τον ιησουν τις εστιν και ουκ ηδυνατο απο του οχλου οτι τη ηλικια μικρος ην [gnt]
Verse routeturbastatura pusillus … [v]

You must be this tall to ride Whisper chain age to height Whisper chain
The word slide is from "young" "age" in Greek to "short" "height" in through Latin and then into English.

The Greek "crowd" changed to Latin "turmoil" or "mob".
Discuss: What important parts of the story can be easily omitted by focusing on "short height" as part of a "refrigerator magnet sermon"?

Information sign More: Whisper game
How tall is tall? How short is short?

The KJV translates as "stature", which is often taken as "height", a word that in the Greek has a primary meaning of "maturity" as in "age".

3. Height
There is a Greek word for the "height" of, say, a mountain but it is not used for the "height" of a person. Instead, a word such as "length" might be used.

Information sign More: Ephesians 3:18 : From lowest depth to highest height

4. Pediatric endocrinology
A field called "pediatric endocrinology" has to do with providing growth hormones to children who are (usually) not growing fast enough or (sometimes) growing too quickly. The English word "endocrine" comes from two ancient Greek words.



5. Height
Some people are tall.

Some people are short, that is, below average, in height. Sometimes they feel self-conscious about it..
Napoleon was short and is the source of the term "Napoleonic syndrome" or "Napoleon complex" or "short man syndrome" or "small man syndrome" for the corresponding psychological syndrome.

Was Napoleon short?

6. Napoleon
British propaganda promoted the idea that Napoleon was short. At the time, Britain was at war with France, Napoleon was often seen with his Imperial Guard who were selected for height which would have made him appear smaller than he was..

Part of the story of the height of Napoleon appears to be propaganda. Historians put his hight from 5 feet 7 inches (an inch or so above average) down to 5 feet 2 inches (as measured by the British many years later).


7. Propaganda
Verse routeHebrews 9:8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: [kjv]
Verse routeτουτο δηλουντος του πνευματος του αγιου μηπω πεφανερωσθαι την των αγιων οδον ετι της πρωτης σκηνης εχουσης στασιν [gnt]
Verse routepropalatam … [v]

In some cases, the word "propaganda" is used to convey ideas that are not true (in reality). The English word "propaganda" is from the Latin word "propago""propagate, extend, enlarge" and is related to the English word "propel" from the Latin word "propello""forward" from the Latin word "pello""push, move".

The modern negative sense of "propaganda" originates from World War I.

Information sign More: Lies and falsehoods

8. Statistics
Normal distribution samplingAt the time of Napoleon, Pierre-Simon Laplace developed statistical methods that are still used today.

Napoleon used statistics to estimate the French population for tax information (as done in ancient times) and in order to determine how many available soldiers there were for his army and wars.

Information sign More: Some cents about the need for a census

9. Enlistment records
Records were kept of the soldiers entering the army. The height of many were the minimum height required to be in the army. It appears that the recruiters increased the height of short recruits so they would qualify for service.


10. Song: Short people
The November 1977 song by Randy Newman entitled "Short people" from the album "Little criminals" made fun of short people.

Many short people did not like the song. Below is the refrain, verse 1, some parts skipped and the bridge which points out the satire of what he is saying.

For the "record", Randy Newman was 6 feet tall, not really short.

Information sign More: Song: Short people

11. Refrain
Short people got no reason
Short people got no reason
Short people got no reason to live

12. Verse 1
They got little hands, little eyes
They walk around tellin' great big lies
They got little noses, tiny little teeth
They wear platform shoes on their nasty little feet

13. Bridge
(Short people are just the same as you and I)
A fool such as I
(All men are brothers until the day they die)
It's a wonderful world

14. Strange songs from 1943-1979

15. The long and short of it
Abraham Lincoln was asked "How long should a man's legs be?". The context was his opponent Stephen Douglas was short and he was tall.

A man's legs must be long enough to reach the ground. Abraham Lincoln (16th U.S. President)

The "short" of it is that the quote is not just a "tall tale".

Information sign More: Abraham Lincoln

16. Presidents Reagan and Bush
During the Ronald Reagan years, Vice President Bush was carefully photographed with Reagan to not appear taller than Reagan. After Bush became the candidate for President, this was reversed to show the true height of Bush compared to Reagan.


17. Sermons and pulpits
Some pastors who are short will work that into their sermons. At times distracting from the actual message to be conveyed.

In the pulpit, listeners may not realize how short the pastor is unless that paster brings it to everyone's attention.

The pulpit is designed, in part, to be higher than the congregation and to make the actual height of the paster preaching not relevant to the preaching.


18. Shrek
DVD: Shrek 1 In the animated movie Shrek (2001), there are many jokes made about the height of Lord Farquaad.

Do you think "little" of Lord Farquaad?

19. Jesus
How tall was Jesus? Does it matter?

One pastor went through research to determine the average height of people in Judea at that time. There appears to be a lot of guesswork in that research.

20. Variability

There is a lot of variability in height. Nebuchadnezzar was very tall, by some estimates about 7 feet tall. Goliath was much taller. And some people were short.

It does appear that Jesus had no significant physical features that would stand out and distract from the message he was conveying.

My personal idea has always been that Jesus was somewhere from the 1/2 percentile to the 2/3 percentile of the height of the (male) population. Somewhat taller than average but not by a lot so he would not stand out by his physical attributes.

Any distinguishing physical feature might obscure the more important message.

21. Causation and coincidence
Correlation, causation, and coincidence are not the same! It would be unlikely if coincidences did not happen. (Paulos in Innumeracy).



22. Reading and height
For example, consider children in the age range of 1 to 15 years. Is there a correlation between reading ability and height?

The question to ask is the following.

Does the child's reading ability increase as a child's height increases?
reading_ability = f ( height )

Yes, as a child's height increases, the child's reading ability increases. So, the following is true.
reading_ability = f ( height )

There is a correlation.
Does increased height cause increased reading ability?

No. There is a correlation between reading ability and height, but increased height does not cause reading ability to increase.

What about weight?

23. Reading and weight
Is there a correlation between reading ability and weight?

The question to ask is the following.

Does the child's reading ability increase, In general, as a child's weight increases?
reading_ability = f ( weight )

Children who weigh more read better.

24. Reading and age
Children who are older read better.
Yes, as a child's weight increases, the child's reading ability increases. So, the following is true.
reading_ability = f ( weight )

There is a correlation.

Does increased weight cause increased reading ability?
There is a correlation between reading ability and weight, but increased weight does not cause reading ability to increase.

Information sign More: Regression and correlation

25. Biblical dimensions
Verse routeMatthew 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? [kjv]
Verse routeτις δε εξ υμων μεριμνων δυναται προσθειναι επι την ηλικιαν αυτου πηχυν ενα [gnt]

Verse routeLuke 12:25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? [kjv]

Does this verse refer to "age" or "height"?

Biblical dimensions are based on the "cubit". Can a "cubit" be a measure of "time" as in "age" or "maturity"?

Information sign More: A cubit discussion at arms length

26. Matthew 6:27
   Matthew 6:27 
 All 
KJV: Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
Greek: τις δε εξ υμων μεριμνων δυναται προσθειναι επι την ηλικιαν αυτου πηχυν ενα
Latin: quis autem vestrum cogitans potest adicere ad staturam suam cubitum unum
Wycliffe: But who of you thenkynge mai putte to his stature o cubit?
Tyndale: Which of you (though he toke thought therfore) coulde put one cubit vnto his stature?
Luther: Wer ist unter euch, der seiner Länge eine Elle zusetzen möge, ob er gleich darum sorget?
Consider the following translations of Matthew 6:27.

27. Translations

And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to your span of life? NRSV (New Revised Standard Version)
And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? NASB (New American Standard Bible)

Foot rulerPhrase: "One foot in the grave" (distance with time meaning).
What is the "yardstick" or "ruler" by which age should be measured?

28. Time of life
We see this time of life in Ecclesiastes 3:2.
Verse routeEcclesiastes 3:2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; [kjv]

This verse, and those around it, were the bases of a popular pop song from the 1960's called "Turn! Turn! Turn!" by the Byrds.

Information sign More: Song: Turn! turn! turn!

29. Ecclesiastes 3:2
 All 
KJV: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
Hebrew: עת ללדת ועת למות עת לטעת ועת לעקור נטוע׃
Greek: καιρος του τεκειν και καιρος του αποθανειν καιρος του φυτευσαι και καιρος του εκτιλαι πεφυτευμενον

30. Turn! Turn! Turn
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
A time to be born, a time to die.
A time to plant, a time to reap.
A time to kill, a time to heal.
A time to laugh, a time to weep.
... A time for peace, I swear it's not too late!

31. Storehouses
BarnWe see this inability to add a "cubit" to one's lifespan in the parable of the rich man building more storehouses in Luke 12.

Eat drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die.
The rich man builds more barns, has a nice supply of resources, and then decides to take it easy. His life is then required of him.

Information sign More: Matthew 6: Seek to eat , drink and be married to Jesus
Information sign More: Luke 12: Barn-burner storage
Where might a confusion between "height" and "age" arise?

32. Length
Clock: 9th o'clockIt appears that the "cubit", as a measurement of length, can be taken as a measurement of time, if, in context, the word it describes is a measure of time, such as "age".

A clock does this by representing time as a distance of rotation of a hand (hour or minute or second) about the central pivot point.

33. Latin
The English word "statue" is, through French, from the Latin word "statua""statue" which is from the Latin word "statuo""set up or erect". Other English words from these words include "statute",

The Latin word "statura""height, size, age" as in "stature".

34. Word slide
The ancient Greek word "ἡλικία""age, maturity".
The Latin word "statura""height, size, age" as in "stature".

Whisper chain age to height
From where might this translation (or mistranslation) idea of the Greek age meaning "stature" or "height" originate? This word slide appears to be related to the ancient Greek being translated into Latin which has both the meaning of age and height as in stature.

Whisper chainThis word slide is a form of "whisper game".

Information sign More: Whisper game
This idea if height is then taken as the way to translate this word. Later, the idea of stature is added as an afterthought to the Strongs, etc., dictionaries as the last meaning in the list.

A framing effect and then confirmation bias reinforces the misconception.

35. Equivocation
In logic terms, a deception based on a word slide is called an equivocation. This word, in Greek, was first used by Aristotle in describing ways used to deceive others.

Information sign More: Equivocation deception between names and meanings

36. Greek
The ancient Greek word "ἡλικία""age, maturity" from the ancient Greek word "ἧλιξ""of same age".

The modern Greek word "ηλικία" (ee-lee-KEE-a) ≈ "age, maturity" .


37. Helix
The ancient Greek word "ἧλιξ""of same age" does not appear to be related the ancient Greek word "ἕλιξ""something twisted or spiral".which is the source of the English word "helix".

They may have sounded somewhat similar, which is the source of puns, but were not the same sound. Note the beginning letter.
  • Waltzing out of chains [Helix]

  • 38. Context of stature
    From the context of the verses in the GNT (Greek New Testament), it appears that the word for "age" or "maturity" can mean "stature" as in "height".

    Or does it?

    An important question is the following. Could there be a double meaning in the use of this word? Let us investigate.

    39. Strongs - stature

    40. Jesus
    Verse routeLuke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. [kjv]

    Did Jesus increase in "height", "age" and/or "maturity"?

    The Latin Vulgate has "age".

    The Old English Wessex Gospels and Middle English Wycliffe and Tyndale and Luther German use "age".

    Remember that age and height are correlated until the late teen years when height growth ends.


    41. Luke 2:52
       Luke 2:52 
     All 
    KJV: And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
    Greek: και ιησους προεκοπτεν τη σοφια και ηλικια και χαριτι παρα θεω και ανθρωποις
    Latin: et Iesus proficiebat sapientia aetate et gratia apud Deum et homines
    Wessex: Aend se haelend þeah on wisdome & on ylde. & mid gyfe mid gode & mid mannen.
    Wycliffe: And Jhesus profitide in wisdom, age, and grace, anentis God and men.
    Tyndale: And Iesus increased in wisdom and age and in favoure with god and man.
    Luther: Und Jesus nahm zu an Weisheit, Alter und Gnade bei Gott und den Menschen.
    Spanish: Y Jesús crecía en sabiduría y en estatura, y en gracia para con Dios y los hombres.
    Portuguese: E Jesus crescia em sabedoria, em estatura e em graça, diante de Deus e dos homens.

    42. Latin age
    Verse routeLuke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. [kjv]

    Verse routeet Iesus proficiebat sapientia aetate et gratia apud Deum et homines [v]

    The Latin word "aetas""lifespan, age".

    43. German age
    Verse routeLuke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. [kjv]

    Verse routeUnd Jesus nahm zu an Weisheit, Alter und Gnade bei Gott und den Menschen. [lu]

    The German word "Alter""age, old age"and is related to the English word "age".

    44. Luke
    Luke repeats the idea in Matthew.
    Verse routeLuke 12:25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? [kjv]


    45. Luke 12:25
       Luke 12:25 
     All 
    KJV: And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
    Greek: τις δε εξ υμων μεριμνων δυναται προσθειναι επι την ηλικιαν αυτου προσθειναι πηχυν ενα

    46. John
    In John 9, we have the story of the man born blind that was healed by Jesus.
    Verse routeJohn 9:21 But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. [kjv]

    Verse route9:23 Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him. [kjv]

    His parents are frightened by the authorities and defers the question to the formerly blind son.

    The middle English for "ask" is "axe". What is the ask?

    Information sign More: John 9: One thing I know is that I know nothing

    47. John 9:21
       John 9:21 
     All 
    KJV: But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.
    Greek: πως δε νυν βλεπει ουκ οιδαμεν η τις ηνοιξεν αυτου τους οφθαλμους ημεις ουκ οιδαμεν αυτος ηλικιαν εχει αυτον ερωτησατε ηλικια ν εχει αυτος περι αυτου εαυτου λαλησει
    Latin: quomodo autem nunc videat nescimus aut quis eius aperuit oculos nos nescimus ipsum interrogate aetatem habet ipse de se loquatur
    Wessex: we nyten hu-maete he nu ge-syhð. ne hwa hys eagen un-tynde. Axiað hyne sylfne. ylde he haefð spreke for hyne sylfne.
    Wycliffe: but hou he seeth now, we witen neuer, or who openyde hise iyen, we witen nere; axe ye hym, he hath age, speke he of hym silf.
    Tyndale: but by what meanes he now seith that can we not tell or who hath opened his eyes can we not tell. He is olde ynough axe him let him answer for him selfe.
    Luther: Wie er aber nun sehend ist, wissen wir nicht; oder wer ihm hat seine Augen aufgetan, wissen wir auch nicht. Er ist alt genug, fraget ihn; lasset ihn selbst für sich reden.

    48. John 9:23
       John 9:23 
     All 
    KJV: Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.
    Greek: δια τουτο οι γονεις αυτου ειπον ειπαν οτι ηλικιαν εχει αυτον ερωτησατε επερωτησατε
    Latin: propterea parentes eius dixerunt quia aetatem habet ipsum interrogate
    Wessex: For-þam cwaeðen hys mages. he hafð ylde axioð hyne sylfe.
    Wycliffe: Therfor his fadir and modir seiden, That he hath age, axe ye hym.
    Tyndale: Therefore sayde his father and mother: he is olde ynough axe him.
    Luther: Darum sprachen seine Eltern: Er ist alt genug, fraget ihn.

    49. Ephesus
    In Ephesus, Paul says that the "stature" of the "fullness" of Jesus is "measured".
    Verse routeEphesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: [kjv]

    Does Paul mean "height", "age", "maturity" or something else? In the previous chapter, Ephesians 3, Paul discusses measurements.

    Information sign More: Ephesians 3:18 : From lowest depth to highest height

    50. Ephesians 4:13
     All 
    KJV: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
    Greek: μεχρι καταντησωμεν οι παντες εις την ενοτητα της πιστεως και της επιγνωσεως του υιου του θεου εις ανδρα τελειον εις μετρον ηλικιας του πληρωματος του χριστου
    Latin: donec occurramus omnes in unitatem fidei et agnitionis Filii Dei in virum perfectum in mensuram aetatis plenitudinis Christi

    51. Hebrews
    Verse routeHebrews 11:11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. [kjv]

    In Hebrews, Sarah is noted as being "past age". Was she "past tall" or "past short"?

    Might this be "height", "age", "maturity" or something else?


    52. Sarah and her age
    Abraham lived to the age of 175 years. Sarah was 99 when she gave birth. How old is that in terms of today?

    Pastors who do not account for that difference may be providing listeners an incorrect perception of what happened.

    Abraham and Sarah bar chart
    By (linear proportional) analogy: 175 years is to 70 years as 99 years is to 40 years.

    This is old to give birth but not like a woman 99 years old today.

    Information sign More: Mount Moriah and Golgotha

    53. Hebrews 11:11
     All 
    KJV: Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
    Greek: πιστει και αυτη σαρρα δυναμιν εις καταβολην σπερματος ελαβεν και παρα καιρον ηλικιας ετεκεν επει πιστον ηγησατο τον επαγγειλαμενον

    54. LXX
    The same Greek word for "height", "age", "maturity", etc., appears twice in the LXX (Septuagint).
    Verse routeJob 29:18 Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand. [kjv]

    Verse routeAnd I said, My age shall continue as the stem of a palm tree; I shall live a long while. [bs3]


    55. Job 29:18
       Job 29:18 
     All 
    KJV: Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand.
    Hebrew: ואמר עם קני אגוע וכחול ארבה ימים׃
    Greek: ειπα δε η ηλικια μου γηρασει ωσπερ στελεχος φοινικος πολυν χρονον βιωσω
    Brenton: And I said, My age shall continue as the stem of a palm tree; I shall live a long while.

    56. Ezekiel 13:18
     All 
    KJV: And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the women that sew pillows to all armholes, and make kerchiefs upon the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive that come unto you?
    Hebrew: ואמרת כה אמר אדני יהוה הוי למתפרות כסתות על כל אצילי ידי ועשות המספחות על ראש כל קומה לצודד נפשות הנפשות תצודדנה לעמי ונפשות לכנה תחיינה׃
    Greek: και ερεις ταδε λεγει κυριος ουαι ταις συρραπτουσαις προσκεφαλαια επι παντα αγκωνα χειρος και ποιουσαις επιβολαια επι πασαν κεφαλην πασης ηλικιας του διαστρεφειν ψυχας αι ψυχαι διεστραφησαν του λαου μου και ψυχας περιεποιουντο

    57. Zacchaeus
    Verse routeLuke 19:1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. [kjv]
    Verse route19:2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. [kjv]

    Tax collectors were hated and considered a "sinner" of "sinners".

    58. Luke 19:2
       Luke 19:2 
     All 
    KJV: And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
    Greek: και ιδου ανηρ ονοματι καλουμενος ζακχαιος και αυτος ην αρχιτελωνης και ουτος ην αυτος πλουσιος

    59. Luke 19:1
       Luke 19:1 
     All 
    KJV: And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
    Greek: και εισελθων διηρχετο την ιεριχω

    60. Climb a tree
    Verse routeLuke 19:3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. [kjv]
    Verse route19:4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. [kjv]
    Verse routeκαι προδραμων εις το εμπροσθεν ανεβη επι συκομορεαν ινα ιδη αυτον οτι εκεινης ημελλεν διερχεσθαι [gnt]

    Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, appears to be "short". At least that is what we are told. Is it possible that his "maturity" was not of "age"? The KJV translates as "into" what in the Greek is "on" or "onto" as in "onto a branch" (of the tree). The "climbed" is inferred as the Greek has "went up".
    The KJV has "press" where the Greek has "crowd".


    61. Luke 19:4
       Luke 19:4 
     All 
    KJV: And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
    Greek: και προδραμων εις το εμπροσθεν ανεβη επι συκομωραιαν συκομορεαν ινα ιδη αυτον οτι δι εκεινης ημελλεν διερχεσθαι

    62. Luke 19:3
       Luke 19:3 
     All 
    KJV: And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
    Greek: και εζητει ιδειν τον ιησουν τις εστιν και ουκ ηδυνατο απο του οχλου οτι τη ηλικια μικρος ην
    Greek today: και εζητει να ιδη τον Ιησουν τις ειναι, και δεν ηδυνατο δια τον οχλον, διοτι ητο μικρος το αναστημα.
    Latin: et quaerebat videre Iesum quis esset et non poterat prae turba quia statura pusillus erat
    The Latin word "pusillus""very small, tiny".

    63. Modern Greek
    Red flagA red flag in the story of Zacchaeus is that modern Greek changes the words for "small age" to "small height" even though both words have the same spelling and meaning as they did at the time of Jesus. Original GNT.
    Verse routeΛουκάν 19:3 και εζητει ιδειν τον ιησουν τις εστιν και ουκ ηδυνατο απο του οχλου οτι τη ηλικια μικρος ην [gnt]

    Two different modern Greek translations:

    Verse route ... διοτι ητο μικρος το αναστημα. [el]
    Verse route ... γιατί ήταν μικρόσωμος. [el]
    Verse routeturbastatura pusillus … [v]


    64. Modern Greek

    65. Zacchaeus
    The story of Zacchaeus has been left for last as this is the only place where the Greek word appears to be uniformly translated as "short" of "stature" instead of "small" in "age" which a direct Greek translation might indicate.

    Here is a "short" list of "short" jokes.

    66. Short remarks
    "And though she be but little, she is fierce." (William Shakespeare)

    Short person: "I'm not short. I'm more down to earth than others."

    Short person: God only lets things grow until they're perfect. Some of us didn't take as long as others! (unknown)

    67. Kids song

    A a popular kids song is "Zacchaeus was a wee little man".

    There are hand and face actions (omitted) that kids can do as they sing the song.


    68. Verse 1
    Zacchaeus was a wee little man
    and a wee little man was he.
    He climbed up in a sycamore tree
    for the Lord he wanted to see.

    69. Verse 2
    And when the Savior passed that way
    He looked up in the tree
    and said, 'Zacchaeus, you come down!
    For I'm going to your house today!
    For I'm going to your house today!

    70. Verse 3
    Zacchaeus was a wee little man
    but a happy man was he.
    For he had seen the Lord that day
    and a happy man was he;
    and a very happy man was he.

    71. Small
    The ancient Greek word "μικρός""little, small" but could mean short, brief, or young of age. This word is the source of the English prefix "micro".

    This Greek adjective for "small" modifies the Greek word for "age" or "maturity"

    . The modern Greek word "μικρός" (mee-KROS) ≈ "little, small".


    72. Watch your back
    As a tax collector Zacchaeus would have been hated by the Jews. Would Zacchaeus want to be in a crowd of people who hated him?

    Later in the first century, Josephus records that when crowds gathered, it was not uncommon for an assassin in a crowd would pull out a long thin and small dagger and quietly stab a person from behind. That assassin could then drop the weapon or otherwise disperse without being noticed and without witnesses.

    A group for which this is named is the "Sicarii" who were a splinter group of the "Zealots" who had an important part in the Jewish War against Rome that ended in the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D. and the ultimate dispersion of the Jews from Judea.

    The Latin word "sicarius""dagger-wielder". From this comes the Spanish word "sicario""salaried assassin" with variants in Italian and Portuguese.




    Information sign More: Flavius Josephus
    Some 70 years later, Rome would name the area Palestine from the Latin name of the traditional enemies of the Jews, the Philistines.

    Information sign More: Dagon: Hebrew word for fish

    73. Business vice president
    At one university, the business vice president (controlling the money) told me at a luncheon that he liked to sit with his back to the wall so that no one could approach him from the back with ill motives.

    Is it reasonable to expect that Zacchaeus might have wanted to avoid a crowd? A tree might be a better option. Once Jesus called him down, it was a more open space with witnesses to deter ill motives in the open. The result for such an act was often crucifixion.

    74. Trees in Jerusalem
    Jerusalem in that time had many trees. Later, during the siege of Jerusalem by the Romans, most every tree within 10 miles or so was reported to have been cut down for the siege. In that climate, trees do not grow back very fast if at all.

    Josephus records minute details of this siege in his first century work "The Jewish war".

    75. Tree climbing
    Not everyone can climb a tree. It helps to be not too heavy, have some strength, and that strength disappears quickly as one gets older.

    The Greek could be translated as Zacchaeus was of small (or young) age and had strength to climb such a tree.

    Younger people, without scruples or other options, are often better for such roles as tax collectors than older established people in the community.


    76. Little child
    Would a "man" acting as a "little child" appear of "small age"? Jesus says this at the end of the previous chapter. Was this done on purpose by Luke?
    Verse routeLuke 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. [kjv]

    Jesus says this, and there follow a number of examples. Interestingly, at the start of the next chapter, we have the story of Zacchaeus.

    Information sign More: Chapter and verse divisions

    77. Luke 18:17
       Luke 18:17 
     All 
    KJV: Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
    Greek: αμην λεγω υμιν ος εαν αν μη δεξηται την βασιλειαν του θεου ως παιδιον ου μη εισελθη εις αυτην

    78. Little children
    Jesus, in John 13:33, uses the phrase "little children" where the Greek has both "little" and "children".

    Verse routeJohn 13:33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. [kjv]
    Verse routeτεκνια ετι μικρον μεθ υμων ειμι ζητησετε με και καθως ειπον τοις ιουδαιοις οτι οπου εγω υπαγω υμεις ου δυνασθε ελθειν και υμιν λεγω αρτι [gnt]

    Is Jesus talking to "little children" or to his followers who can be considered "little children"?

    Information sign More: The truth about a lying baby

    79. John 13:33

       John 13:33 
     All 
    KJV: Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
    Greek: τεκνια ετι μικρον μεθ υμων ειμι ζητησετε με και καθως ειπον τοις ιουδαιοις οτι οπου υπαγω εγω υπαγω υμεις ου δυνασθε ελθειν και υμιν λεγω αρτι
    The story continues.


    80. Lodging in the house of a sinner
    Verse routeLuke 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. [kjv]
    Verse routeκαι ως ηλθεν επι τον τοπον αναβλεψας ο ιησους ειπεν προς αυτον ζακχαιε σπευσας καταβηθι σημερον γαρ εν τω οικω σου δει με μειναι [gnt]
    Verse route19:6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. [kjv]
    Verse route19:7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. [kjv]
    Verse routeκαι ιδοντες παντες διεγογγυζον λεγοντες οτι παρα αμαρτωλω ανδρι εισηλθεν καταλυσαι [gnt]


    81. Luke 19:5
       Luke 19:5 
     All 
    KJV: 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.
    Greek: και ως ηλθεν επι τον τοπον αναβλεψας ο ιησους ειδεν αυτον και ειπεν προς αυτον ζακχαιε σπευσας καταβηθι σημερον γαρ εν τω οικω σου δει με μειναι

    82. Luke 19:6
       Luke 19:6 
     All 
    KJV: And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
    Greek: και σπευσας κατεβη και υπεδεξατο αυτον χαιρων

    83. Luke 19:7
       Luke 19:7 
     All 
    KJV: And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
    Greek: και ιδοντες απαντες παντες διεγογγυζον λεγοντες οτι παρα αμαρτωλω ανδρι εισηλθεν καταλυσαι

    84. Zacchaeus
    Verse routeLuke 19:8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. [kjv]

    Discussion question: Did Zacchaeus ever do what he said he would do? How might this effect how one thinks about the entire story?

    85. Luke 19:8
       Luke 19:8 
     All 
    KJV: And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
    Greek: σταθεις δε ζακχαιος ειπεν προς τον κυριον ιδου τα ημιση ημισια μου των υπαρχοντων μου κυριε διδωμι τοις πτωχοις διδωμι και ει τινος τι εσυκοφαντησα αποδιδωμι τετραπλουν

    86. Strongs - possessions

    87. Discussion
    Jesus says many good things about Zacchaeus. Luke, a Greek, is collecting and writing this some twenty years later. There is no mention that Zacchaeus ever did anything he said he would do. Everyone knows people, or other kids growing up, who make all these great claims about what they will do, etc. Most of them never even try to do what they talked about, let alone doing it.

    On the other hand, Luke might have not written this unless he knew it to be true, both at the time and later.

    88. Salvation to the house of Zacchaeus
    Verse routeLuke 19:9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. [kjv]
    Verse routeειπεν δε προς αυτον ο ο ιησους οτι σημερον σωτηρια τω οικω τουτω εγενετο καθοτι και αυτος υιος αβρααμ εστιν [gnt]
    Verse route19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. [kjv]
    Verse routeηλθεν γαρ ο υιος του ανθρωπου ζητησαι και σωσαι το απολωλος [gnt]

    Jesus then says to Zacchaeus that "salvation" has come to his "house". What exactly does this mean? The "lost" is the same Greek word for "destroyed". Jesus, the "savior", came to "save" that which would (otherwise) be "destroyed".

    Future topic Details are left as a future topic.

    89. Luke 19:9
       Luke 19:9 
     All 
    KJV: And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
    Greek: ειπεν δε προς αυτον ο ο ιησους οτι σημερον σωτηρια τω οικω τουτω εγενετο καθοτι και αυτος υιος αβρααμ εστιν

    90. Luke 19:10
       Luke 19:10 
     All 
    KJV: For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
    Greek: ηλθεν γαρ ο υιος του ανθρωπου ζητησαι και σωσαι το απολωλος

    91. Climbing a tree to change
    You must be this tall to ride Climate change

    Whisper chain age to heightIn Luke 19, Zacchaeus, who was young and not necessarily short, climbs a tree. Jesus calls him down and Zacchaeus has his life changed - all for the climbing of a tree.
    This is an early documented instance of "climb-it change". And, indeed, the climate has changed for anyone listening to the call of Jesus - no matter how high they think they have climbed the ladder of (worldly) success. Are you climbing the right ladder? Do not be wrong later ("rung ladder").

    92. Climbing a tree to change

     
    How can one get climate change?

    93. First and second coming
    Verse routeLuke 19:11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. [kjv]
    Verse routeακουοντων δε αυτων ταυτα προσθεις ειπεν παραβολην δια το εγγυς ειναι ιερουσαλημ αυτον και δοκειν αυτους οτι παραχρημα μελλει η βασιλεια του θεου αναφαινεσθαι [gnt]

    Comings: Bottom line: (need to do both) This verse is in Luke right after the story about Zacchaeus.

    94. Luke 19:11
       Luke 19:11 
     All 
    KJV: And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
    Greek: ακουοντων δε αυτων ταυτα προσθεις ειπεν παραβολην δια το εγγυς αυτον ειναι ιερουσαλημ αυτον και δοκειν αυτους οτι παραχρημα μελλει η βασιλεια του θεου αναφαινεσθαι

    95. Summary
    The Greek word for "age" or "maturity" is sometimes translated as "stature" with the implication of "short" or "not tall".

    This is especially true in the story of Zacchaeus.

    There are reasonable explanations that use the original meaning of the Greek as "age" or "maturity".

    On what part of the story do sermons focus? Discuss: What might be a reason for this?

    96. End of page

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