from σῦκον and (the mulberry); the "sycamore"-fig tree:--sycamore tree. Compare συκάμινος.
Transliteration:sykomōraía
Pronunciation:soo-kom-o-rah'-yah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word συκομωραία (sykomōraía) `{{G4809}}` is a compound term, etymologically derived from σῦκον (sykon), meaning "fig," and μορέα (morea), referring to the "mulberry tree." This etymology precisely identifies the "sycamore-fig tree" (Ficus sycomorus), a species distinct from the European sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus). The sycamore-fig is a large, robust tree native to Egypt and the Near East, characterized by its spreading branches and its unique habit of bearing small, edible figs directly on its trunk and older limbs. Though its fruit is less esteemed than that of the common fig, it was a vital food source for the poor. Its wood, while softer than oak, was durable and widely used in ancient construction and for sarcophagi, as evidenced in ancient Egypt. The tree's broad canopy also provided significant shade, a valuable commodity in arid regions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term συκομωραία (sykomōraía) `{{G4809}}` appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke:
* [[Luke 19:4]]: "So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore-fig tree to see Him, for He was about to pass that way."
This singular occurrence is central to the narrative of Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector in Jericho. Zacchaeus, being short in stature, strategically climbed this particular type of tree to gain a vantage point above the crowd to see Jesus. The sycamore-fig tree was an ideal choice for several reasons: its low, sturdy branches made it easy to ascend, even for an adult, and its dense foliage would have offered a degree of concealment, allowing Zacchaeus to observe without being immediately conspicuous. Jericho, known for its lush vegetation due to abundant water sources, would have had numerous such trees. The tree in this context serves as more than mere background; it is an active participant in facilitating Zacchaeus's desperate attempt to see Jesus, an action that directly leads to his personal encounter and subsequent salvation.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **σῦκον (sykon):** This root word for "fig" highlights the primary characteristic of the συκομωραία as a fruit-bearing tree. Figs and fig trees frequently appear in biblical imagery, often symbolizing Israel, its spiritual condition, or divine judgment and blessing (e.g., the barren fig tree in [[Mark 11:12-25]]).
* **συκάμινος (sykaminos) `{{G4807}}`:** This related Greek term, often translated as "mulberry tree" or "sycamore tree" in some contexts, appears in [[Luke 17:6]] where Jesus speaks of faith strong enough to uproot a συκάμινος. While botanically distinct from the συκομωραία (Ficus sycomorus), the two terms are sometimes conflated in translation due to their similar common names or shared characteristics as large, shade-giving trees. However, συκομωραία specifically denotes the fig-bearing variety.
* **Trees in Scripture:** Beyond these specific terms, trees generally hold profound symbolic weight in the Bible, representing life, wisdom, righteousness, growth, and divine provision (e.g., the Tree of Life in [[Genesis 2:9]], the righteous person as a tree planted by water in [[Psalm 1:3]]). The συκομωραία in [[Luke 19]] exemplifies how an ordinary natural element can become a pivotal stage for divine-human interaction and spiritual transformation.
### Theological Significance
The συκομωραία (sykomōraía) `{{G4809}}` in the Zacchaeus narrative carries significant theological weight. It profoundly illustrates the accessibility of Christ's grace and salvation. Zacchaeus, a despised chief tax collector, was socially ostracized, yet his earnest desire to see Jesus led him to humble himself by climbing a tree. The tree, therefore, becomes a symbol of the means—however unconventional or undignified—through which individuals can position themselves to encounter the Savior. It underscores that no barrier, whether social standing, physical limitation, or personal reputation, can ultimately thwart the divine initiative to seek and save the lost.
Furthermore, the incident highlights Jesus's divine omniscience and proactive love. He "looked up" into the tree, demonstrating His personal awareness of Zacchaeus and His deliberate call to him by name. The sycamore-fig tree, a common and unassuming part of the landscape, thus transforms into a sacred space where divine grace intersects with human longing. It reinforces the biblical theme that God often uses the ordinary and overlooked elements of creation to accomplish extraordinary acts of redemption, inviting all, regardless of their past or present circumstances, into a relationship with Him.
### Summary
The Greek word συκομωραία (sykomōraía) `{{G4809}}` designates the "sycamore-fig tree," a specific species of fig tree known for its sturdy branches and edible fruit. Its singular, yet highly significant, appearance in [[Luke 19:4]] places it at the center of the narrative of Zacchaeus. This tree served as the literal platform for Zacchaeus, a short tax collector, to elevate himself to see Jesus passing by in Jericho. Theologically, the συκομωραία symbolizes the humble yet effective means through which individuals can seek and encounter Christ. It underscores the accessibility of divine grace, Jesus's personal knowledge of individuals, and the profound truth that God often utilizes ordinary circumstances and elements of creation to bring about extraordinary spiritual transformation and salvation. The sycamore-fig tree, therefore, stands as a quiet testament to God's initiative in seeking the lost and the surprising places where redemption unfolds.
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