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ZACCHAEUS

A wealthy tax collector who was so eager to see Jesus as he passed through Jericho that he climbed a tree to get a better vantage point. He was jubilant when Jesus greeted him and expressed a desire to visit his home. Because of the man's dubious moral reputation, the crowd murmured at this friendly gesture, but it achieved quick results. Zacchaeus promptly promised to give half his property to the poor (Luke 10:1-10). (Etym. Greek zacchaios; Hebrew zakkai, pure.)

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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