Who is…
Zacchaeus

Greek: Ζακχαῖος —transliteration: Zakchaios —derived from the Hebrew word זַכַּי (Zaccai), meaning pure; purity; innocent

This Israelite man was a superintendant of customs; a chief tax-gatherer (a publicanus) at Jericho at the time of Jesus Christ (Luke 19:1-10 LSB).

Tax collectors were despised as traitors (working for the occupying Roman Empire, and not for their own Jewish community). They were also considered to be corrupt. Tax collectors for Rome were notorious for extortion.

The collection of customs at Jericho, which at this time produced and exported a considerable quantity of balsam, a product which undoubtedly produced much local income, and would account for Zacchaeus being a rich man (Luke 19:2).

Being “small in stature,” he hastened on before the multitude who were thronging about Christ as he was passing through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem, and climbed up a sycamore tree that he might be able to see Him.

When our Lord reached the spot, He looked up to the publican among the branches, and addressing him by name, told him to make haste and come down, as he intended that day to stay at his house.

This led to the remarkable discussion recorded by the evangelist Luke, and to the striking parable of the ten minas (Luke 19:12-27 LSB).

Significance

Encounter with Jesus: Jesus called Zacchaeus by name, invited himself to Zacchaeus' house, and showed him personal attention, which was shocking given Zacchaeus’ social status as a much despised sinner.

Repentance: What is repentance, and why is it very important?

Transformation: Moved by Jesus’ acceptance, Zacchaeus pledged to give half his possessions to the poor and repay fourfold anyone he had cheated, demonstrating genuine repentance and a change of heart. This is genuine fruit of a believers life.

Message of Salvation: Jesus declared, “Today salvation has come to this house,” emphasizing that even societal outcasts can receive God’s grace. This aligns with Jesus’ mission to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).

Symbol of Redemption: Zacchaeus’ story illustrates themes of forgiveness, transformation, and the inclusivity of Jesus’ ministry, showing that no one is beyond redemption.

His story is significant for its emphasis on grace, repentance, and the transformative power of truly following Jesus Christ.

Archaeology

At Jericho, there is a large, venerable looking square tower (primarily of stone), which goes by the traditional name of the House of Zacchaeus. It is apparently not a 1st-century AD residence directly tied to the biblical Zacchaeus, but rather dates to 4th-7th century AD, and is possibly related to Zacchaeus by some lost oral association. It stands several stories tall and is integrated into central old Jericho. It’s treated more as a heritage site than a dig priority, with preservation efforts by Palestinian authorities emphasizing its touristic value.

Pilgrims have venerated it for centuries as a symbol of Zacchaeus’ transformation from a despised sinner to a model of repentance.

Excavations in Jericho, including those at nearby Herodian sites like Tulul Abu el-Alayiq (Herod’s luxurious winter palace), confirm elite Roman-era residences existed in the area. So in Zacchaeus’ era, archaeology points to the possibility that he had a luxurious home, fitting a wealthy tax collector’s profile, where he could host elites, including potential Roman tax officials. It is possible that Zacchaeus’ actual home could have been a villa in the Roman administrative quarter, likely destroyed or repurposed during later occupations.

The 2,000 year old Zaccheus Tree in Jericho (2009), a sycamore fig

The Sycamore Tree Tradition in Jericho: A centuries-old (possibly 2,000-year-old) sycamore-fig (Ficus sycomorus) stands in central Jericho near Al-Jummezeh Square, traditionally identified as the one Zacchaeus climbed. Dendrochronological tests confirm its age, and it's in a plausible location along ancient procession routes. Nearby excavations uncovered a Byzantine church (4th–7th century AD), suggesting early Christian veneration of the site, with artifacts like mosaics and coins now in the adjacent Russian Museum. However, botanists note sycamores were common in Jericho’s oasis, so even if this tree does not definitively prove to be “the one,” it symbolic of it in the heart of the actual city of Christ’s meeting with Zacchaeus.