### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun σῦκον (sŷkon - `{{G4810}}`) refers primarily and literally to the "fig," the edible fruit of the fig tree (συκῆ - `{{G4808}}`). As a neuter noun, its base definition is straightforward: a common fruit in the ancient Near East, valued for its sweetness and nutritional content. In its semantic range, it can denote the individual fruit or, by extension, the produce of the fig tree in general. While its literal meaning remains constant, its contextual use in the New Testament often imbues it with profound symbolic and theological significance, particularly concerning fruitfulness and divine expectation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term σῦκον appears in several key passages within the New Testament, almost exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels and the Epistle of James:
* **Parables of Fruitfulness:** In [[Matthew 7:16]] and [[Luke 6:44]], Jesus uses the fig as an example of a characteristic fruit: "Do people pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from thistles?" This rhetorical question emphasizes the principle that one's true nature or spiritual character is revealed by the fruit (actions, words) they produce. A good tree (person) bears good fruit (actions), and a bad tree bears bad fruit.
* **The Cursing of the Fig Tree:** The narrative in [[Matthew 21:18-22]] and [[Mark 11:12-14, 20-21]] recounts Jesus cursing a fig tree that had leaves but no figs (σῦκον). This act, occurring shortly after Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, is widely interpreted as a symbolic judgment against a spiritually barren Israel. The nation, like the tree, had the outward appearance of life (leaves, religious rituals) but lacked the expected fruit of righteousness, repentance, and faith. The immediate withering of the tree signifies the swift and decisive nature of divine judgment upon unresponsiveness.
* **Parable of the Barren Fig Tree:** In [[Luke 13:6-9]], Jesus tells a parable about a fig tree that had not borne fruit (σῦκον) for three years. The owner desires to cut it down, but the gardener pleads for one more year, offering to cultivate it further. This parable illustrates God's patience and long-suffering, offering opportunities for repentance and fruit-bearing before judgment is enacted. It serves as a warning to those who consume divine grace without producing spiritual fruit.
* **Signs of the Times:** In [[Matthew 24:32]], [[Mark 13:28]], and [[Luke 21:29]], Jesus uses the fig tree as an illustration for discerning the signs of the end times: "From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near." While σῦκον (the fruit) is not explicitly mentioned here, the "fig tree" (συκῆ - `{{G4808}}`) is the subject, and its natural cycle of bearing leaves (and subsequently fruit) is a reliable indicator of the changing seasons, signifying the reliability of discerning the signs of Christ's return.
* **Natural Order:** [[James 3:12]] states, "Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water." This verse reinforces the natural order of creation and applies it to human speech, emphasizing that genuine faith produces good words, just as a fig tree naturally produces figs.
Across these contexts, σῦκον consistently functions as a literal fruit, but its significance extends far beyond mere botanical identification, serving as a powerful symbol in Jesus' teachings on spiritual fruitfulness, judgment, and discernment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related term is συκῆ (sykē - `{{G4808}}`), which refers to the "fig tree" itself. The fruit (σῦκον) is inextricably linked to the tree that bears it. Another related term is συκίνος (sykinos - `{{G4809}}`), an adjective meaning "of a fig tree."
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew equivalent for "fig" or "fig tree" is תְּאֵנָה (těʼēnāh - `{{H8384}}`). The fig tree, often paired with the grapevine, was a potent symbol of peace, prosperity, and security in ancient Israel (e.g., "everyone under his own vine and fig tree" - [[1 Kings 4:25]], [[Micah 4:4]]). This imagery highlights the expectation of abundance and blessing associated with the fig.
The concept of "fruit" in general, both literal and metaphorical, is a crucial related concept. This includes the "fruit of the Spirit" ([[Galatians 5:22-23]]), the "fruit of righteousness" ([[Philippians 1:11]]), and the "fruit that endures" ([[John 15:16]]), all of which speak to the tangible outcomes of a life lived in accordance with God's will.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of σῦκον is multifaceted:
* **Divine Expectation of Fruitfulness:** The recurring theme of the fig (or its absence) underscores God's expectation of spiritual fruit from His people. This fruit is not merely outward religious observance but genuine repentance, faith, obedience, and works of righteousness. Both individuals and the corporate body of believers are called to bear this fruit ([[Matthew 7:16]], [[Luke 13:6-9]]).
* **Judgment on Barrenness:** The cursing of the fig tree is a stark warning of judgment for those who fail to produce the expected spiritual fruit. It vividly illustrates the consequences of outward religiosity without inward transformation or genuine responsiveness to God's call. This act is often seen as a prophetic indictment of Israel's spiritual unfruitfulness in rejecting her Messiah.
* **God's Patience and Opportunity:** While judgment is a clear theme, the parable of the barren fig tree in Luke also highlights God's patience and mercy. He provides opportunities for repentance and growth, allowing time for cultivation before judgment is fully enacted. This conveys a message of hope and a call to seize the present opportunity for spiritual fruit-bearing.
* **Discernment and Readiness:** The fig tree's natural cycle serves as an analogy for discerning the signs of God's redemptive plan, particularly the coming of Christ. Believers are called to be spiritually alert and discerning, understanding the "times" and preparing themselves for the Lord's return.
* **Authenticity and Character:** The inability of a thornbush to produce figs ([[Matthew 7:16]]) emphasizes the principle that true character and spiritual authenticity are revealed by one's actions and life outcomes. Genuine faith will inevitably manifest in good fruit.
### Summary
The Greek word σῦκον (sŷkon - `{{G4810}}`) literally denotes the "fig," the fruit of the fig tree. However, its usage in the New Testament transcends a mere botanical reference, becoming a profound theological symbol. Predominantly featured in Jesus' parables and actions, the fig represents the spiritual fruit expected from individuals and, significantly, from the nation of Israel. The presence of figs signifies spiritual vitality, obedience, and responsive faith, while their absence indicates barrenness and spiritual unfruitfulness. Through narratives such as the cursing of the fig tree and the parable of the barren fig tree, σῦkον underscores themes of divine expectation, the certainty of judgment upon unrepentant barrenness, and God's merciful patience in offering opportunities for repentance. Furthermore, the fig tree's natural cycle serves as an analogy for discerning the signs of the times, calling believers to spiritual readiness. Thus, σῦkον is not merely a common fruit but a potent biblical motif conveying deep truths about spiritual life, divine accountability, and the nature of true discipleship.
TRV