Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Luke 19:8. It’s a really important part of understanding Zacchaeus’s character and actions. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Luke 19:8 tells us about a man named Zacchaeus, who was a resident of Jerusalem. He was known for being greedy and having a lot of money. He's standing here and speaking to God about how he’s giving away a significant portion of his wealth – almost half of it – to help those in need. What He Says: “And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord…” - This shows he’s confessing something important. “…Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor…” - He's admitting that a large portion of his money is being given away to help others. “And if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore [him] fourfold.” – This is where it gets really interesting. He’s acknowledging the possibility that someone might falsely accuse him and take something from him. If this happens, he promises to give them back four times as much! What Does It Mean? This verse highlights Zacchaeus's deep concern for others and his willingness to be generous. It’s a powerful statement about his character: Generosity & Compassion: He's demonstrating genuine care for the suffering of others. Honesty & Integrity: His promise to restore the money back fourfold shows he values honesty and doesn't want to be cheated or taken advantage of. Moral Strength: It suggests a strong moral compass – he’s not willing to compromise his principles. In essence, this verse portrays Zacchaeus as someone who is deeply concerned about fairness and justice, and he’s taking proactive steps to protect himself from being wronged. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this story? Discuss what it might mean for Zacchaeus's character?