The answer is: Half

Luke 19:8 - and if he had cheated anyone out of anything he offered to give 4 times in repayment.

When Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, decided to give half of his possessions to the poor, it was truly a remarkable act of generosity! This wasn’t a trivial decision. In the Jewish cultural context, wealth was often seen as a blessing from God, and parting with it—especially a hefty chunk—showed profound dedication and a change of heart.

Let’s remember that tax collectors like Zacchaeus weren’t just your average climbed-a-tree-watcher; they were often despised for collaborating with the Roman occupiers and were notorious for exploiting their own people with excessive taxes. His decision to give away such a substantial share of his assets illustrates the powerful transformation that occurred after his encounter with Jesus.

Additionally, his promise to repay anyone he had cheated four times the amount he took underscores a very Mediterranean cultural practice known as **"commensurate restitution."** Essentially, a person's conversion was judged by their deeds. Therefore, making right those who had suffered was crucial.

Zacchaeus’s story echoes Old Testament themes of repentance and reward. Just as King David showed contrition for his sins, returning what he had taken unjustly, Zacchaeus displays an understanding of morals, balancing wealth with righteousness. His response was radical, showcasing that even those who stray far from integrity can find a path back to ethical living and spiritual fulfillment. Isn’t it encouraging how a little conversation can lead to such life-altering choices?