Brief Overview of συκομορέα (Strong’s G4809: sykomorea)

Strong’s G4809: A feminine noun combining συκῆ (fig) and μορέα (mulberry), referring to the sycamore-fig tree (Ficus sycomorus). This tree played a significant role in the story of Zacchaeus’s encounter with Jesus, symbolizing the heights one would climb to see the Messiah.

U – Unveiling the Word

Συκομορέα represents a unique tree species that combines characteristics of both fig and mulberry trees. In Luke 19:4, it serves as the literal and metaphorical vehicle for Zacchaeus’s transformation. The tree’s significance lies in its height and widespread branches, making it ideal for climbing, and its common presence along roads in the Holy Land. Early church fathers saw in this tree a symbol of spiritual elevation – the means by which one rises above worldly obstacles to encounter the Messiah. Today, it continues to symbolize the extraordinary lengths people will go to seek Jesus and the divine appointments He arranges.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συκομορέα, sykomorea, /soo-ko-mo-REH-ah/
• Pronunciation: soo-ko-mo-REH-ah (stress on fourth syllable)
• Part of Speech: Feminine Noun

Etymology:

• συκῆ (sykē): fig tree
• μορέα (morea): mulberry tree
• Combined to describe a distinct species sharing characteristics of both

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. Sycamore-fig tree (Ficus sycomorus)
2. Egyptian fig tree
3. Wild fig tree

For compound words:

• συκῆ (sykē): contributes the fig aspect
• μορέα (morea): adds the mulberry characteristics
  Together they describe a unique hybrid-like species

Translation Options:

1. “Sycamore-fig tree” – Most precise botanical designation
2. “Sycamore tree” – Common traditional translation
3. “Wild fig tree” – Emphasizing its distinction from cultivated figs

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συκῆ (sykē) /soo-KAY/ – the common fig tree. See G4808
• συκάμινος (sykaminos) /soo-KAM-ee-nos/ – the black mulberry tree. See G4807
• δένδρον (dendron) /DEN-dron/ – general word for tree. See G1186

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a feminine noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

Examples of case endings:

• Nominative singular: συκομορέα
• Genitive singular: συκομορέας
• Dative singular: συκομορέᾳ
• Accusative singular: συκομορέαν

Cross-references:

• Adjective: συκομόρινος (sykomorinos)
• Related noun: συκόμορον (sykomoron) – the fruit

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG identifies it specifically as Ficus sycomorus. Thayer’s notes its significance in Luke’s narrative. LSJ provides details about its cultivation in Egypt and the Holy Land. Vine’s emphasizes its size and climbing suitability. Strong’s connects it to both fig and mulberry families. LEH discusses its Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan document its commercial value in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 19:4 “So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a [sycamore tree] {συκομορέα} to see Him, for He was about to pass that way.”

Additional References:
As a hapax legomenon, it appears only in Luke 19:4.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συκομορέα beautifully illustrates how God uses creation to facilitate divine encounters. In Zacchaeus’s story, this tree became the meeting point between a seeking soul and the seeking Savior. It promotes the good news by showing that the Messiah notices and calls to Himself those who earnestly seek Him, no matter what obstacles they must overcome.

D – Did You Know?

1. The sycamore-fig was considered sacred in ancient Egypt and often planted near temples.
2. Its wood was used to make mummy cases in ancient Egypt due to its durability.
3. The tree can grow up to 50 feet tall and produce fruit year-round in suitable climates.

Strong’s G4809: A feminine noun combining συκῆ (fig) and μορέα (mulberry), referring to the sycamore-fig tree (Ficus sycomorus). This tree played a significant role in the story of Zacchaeus’s encounter with Jesus, symbolizing the heights one would climb to see the Messiah.

Part of speech: Feminine Noun

Tags: sycamore-fig, zacchaeus, luke, trees, holy-land-flora, divine-encounter, seeking-jesus, transformation, biblical-botany, salvation-story, jesus-ministry, divine-appointment​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​