3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd.
3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
3 And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small of stature.
3 He wanted desperately to see Jesus, but the crowd was in his way - he was a short man and couldn't see over the crowd.
3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.
3 He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 19:3
Commentary on Luke 19:1-10
(Read Luke 19:1-10)
Those who sincerely desire a sight of Christ, like Zaccheus, will break through opposition, and take pains to see him. Christ invited himself to Zaccheus' house. Wherever Christ comes he opens the heart, and inclines it to receive him. He that has a mind to know Christ, shall be known of him. Those whom Christ calls, must humble themselves, and come down. We may well receive him joyfully, who brings all good with him. Zaccheus gave proofs publicly that he was become a true convert. He does not look to be justified by his works, as the Pharisee; but by his good works he will, through the grace of God, show the sincerity of his faith and repentance. Zaccheus is declared to be a happy man, now he is turned from sin to God. Now that he is saved from his sins, from the guilt of them, from the power of them, all the benefits of salvation are his. Christ is come to his house, and where Christ comes he brings salvation with him. He came into this lost world to seek and to save it. His design was to save, when there was no salvation in any other. He seeks those that sought him not, and asked not for him.