### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word συκάμινος (sykáminos), `{{G4807}}`, refers to a specific type of tree. While in classical Greek, it often denoted the black mulberry (*Morus nigra*), its definition in the New Testament context, drawing from its Hebrew origin שִׁקְמָה (`{{H8256}}`) and its relationship to συκομωραία (`{{G4809}}`), strongly identifies it as the sycomore-fig tree (*Ficus sycomorus*). This tree is distinct from the common fig tree and the mulberry. The sycomore-fig is characterized by its large, spreading branches, deep roots, and edible fruit that grows directly on the trunk and main branches. It was a common and economically important tree in ancient Israel and Egypt, providing shade and sustenance, especially for the poor. Its semantic range in biblical usage is primarily botanical, though its singular occurrence imbues it with profound symbolic significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term συκάμινος appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* [[Luke 17:6]]: "And the Lord said, 'If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would say to this sycamine tree, "Be uprooted and planted in the sea," and it would obey you.'"
In this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the power of faith. The sycamine tree serves as a vivid illustration of an immense, seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Its deep root system would make it exceptionally difficult to uproot, and planting it in the sea represents an utterly impossible feat by human strength. The choice of this particular tree, rather than a smaller or less firmly rooted plant, underscores the magnitude of the task that faith can accomplish. The context immediately follows Jesus' teaching on forgiveness and the need for a forgiving spirit among believers, suggesting that the "impossible" task might also relate to challenges within the community or personal spiritual growth.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is שִׁקְמָה (`{{H8256}}`), the Hebrew term for the sycomore-fig tree, which appears multiple times in the Old Testament. For instance, [[1 Kings 10:27]] and [[2 Chronicles 1:15]] mention Solomon making cedars as common as sycomore trees in the Shephelah, indicating their abundance and commonality. [[Amos 7:14]] further clarifies its significance, as the prophet Amos identifies himself as a "dresser of sycomore figs," implying a humble, agricultural background connected to these trees.
Another closely related Greek word is συκομωραία (`{{G4809}}`), which also refers to the sycomore-fig tree. This word is found in [[Luke 19:4]], where Zacchaeus climbs a sycomore tree to see Jesus. The close association between συκάμινος and συκομωραία in the New Testament, despite their potential botanical distinctions in other contexts, solidifies the identification of συκάμινος in [[Luke 17:6]] as the deeply rooted sycomore-fig.
The concept of "faith" is central to understanding συκάμινος in [[Luke 17:6]]. The "grain of mustard seed" (`{{G4615}}`) is another powerful image of something small yet possessing immense potential for growth and impact, directly contrasted with the large, immovable sycamine tree. This highlights the disproportionate power of even nascent faith when directed by God.
### Theological Significance
The sycamine tree in [[Luke 17:6]] serves as a potent symbol of the obstacles, challenges, or even deeply entrenched sins that seem impossible to overcome. Its deep roots represent the formidable nature of such difficulties. The theological significance lies in Jesus' teaching that true faith, even if seemingly small, possesses divine power to surmount these "impossible" situations. It is not the quantity of faith, but its quality and its object (God Himself) that enable such miraculous intervention.
This passage underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to work through the faith of His people to accomplish what is humanly impossible. It encourages believers not to despair in the face of overwhelming odds, but to trust in the power of God. The tree being "planted in the sea" further emphasizes the complete and utter removal of the obstacle, suggesting a divine reordering of creation in response to faith. This teaching resonates with other biblical themes of God's power over nature and His willingness to act decisively on behalf of those who trust Him.
### Summary
The Greek word συκάμινος (`{{G4807}}`) refers to the sycomore-fig tree, a common and deeply rooted tree in ancient Israel. Its sole appearance in the New Testament in [[Luke 17:6]] is profoundly significant, where Jesus uses it as a vivid metaphor for an insurmountable obstacle. By stating that faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can command this deeply rooted tree to be uprooted and planted in the sea, Jesus illustrates the extraordinary, divine power available through genuine faith. The sycamine tree thus symbolizes the "impossible" tasks or challenges that are nevertheless conquerable when faith is placed in God's omnipotence, offering a powerful message of hope and divine enablement to believers.
TRV