Brief Overview of σῦκον (Strong’s G4810: sykon)

Strong’s G4810: A neuter noun meaning “fig,” referring to the fruit of the fig tree. In biblical usage, it serves as a metaphor for spiritual fruit and authenticity. Used prominently in Jesus’ teachings about recognizing true from false by their fruits, emphasizing genuine spiritual character.

U – Unveiling the Word

Σῦκον holds significant meaning in biblical imagery and teaching. As the fruit of the fig tree, it represents the tangible evidence of inner character and spiritual reality. In Matthew 7:16, Jesus uses figs among other fruits to teach about spiritual authenticity and discernment. The early church fathers expanded on this metaphor, seeing figs as representing the sweetness of righteous works and genuine faith. Today, this word continues to remind believers that authentic faith must produce visible fruit in keeping with the Spirit’s work.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σῦκον, sykon, /SOO-kon/
• Pronunciation: SOO-kon (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Neuter Noun

Etymology:

• From Proto-Indo-European *sūk- (“fig”)
• Related to Hebrew שקמה (shikmah)
• Basic noun form without prefixes or suffixes

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. Fig (fruit)
2. Product of the fig tree
3. Symbol of spiritual fruit

For compound words:
Not a compound word

Translation Options:

1. “Fig” – Standard translation referring to the fruit
2. “Fresh fig” – When context emphasizes the ripeness
3. “Fig fruit” – When distinguishing from the tree

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συκῆ (sykē) /soo-KAY/ – the fig tree itself. See G4808
• καρπός (karpos) /kar-POS/ – general word for fruit. See G2590
• ὀπώρα (opora) /o-PO-ra/ – ripe fruit in general. See G3703

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a neuter noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second declension

Examples of case endings:

• Nominative singular: σῦκον
• Genitive singular: σύκου
• Dative singular: σύκῳ
• Accusative singular: σῦκον

Cross-references:

• Adjective: σύκινος (sykinos)
• Related verb: συκάζω (sykazō)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its literal and metaphorical usage. Thayer’s notes its connection to spiritual fruit metaphors. LSJ provides extensive classical references. Vine’s highlights its use in Jesus’ teachings about discernment. Strong’s connects it to agricultural contexts. LEH discusses its Septuagint usage representing abundance. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in commercial documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 7:16 “You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or [figs] {σῦκον} from thistles?”

Additional References:
Luke 6:44
James 3:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Homer: Odyssey	“Sweet [figs] {σῦκον} ripened in the summer sun.”
Theophrastus: Enquiry into Plants	“The [fig] {σῦκον} varies in sweetness according to its growing place.”
Aristophanes: Peace	“They brought baskets of fresh [figs] {σῦκον} to the market.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σῦκον serves as a powerful metaphor for genuine spiritual fruit in one’s life. Jesus uses this common fruit to teach profound spiritual truth about authentic discipleship. The good news is that through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can bear genuine fruit that proves their connection to the True Vine, our Lord Jesus the Messiah.

D – Did You Know?

1. Figs were one of the most important fruits in the Holy Land, often dried for year-round use.
2. The first mention of clothing in the Bible involved fig leaves.
3. Figs appear in ancient Middle Eastern treaties as symbols of peace and prosperity.

Strong’s G4810: A neuter noun meaning “fig,” referring to the fruit of the fig tree. In biblical usage, it serves as a metaphor for spiritual fruit and authenticity. Used prominently in Jesus’ teachings about recognizing true from false by their fruits, emphasizing genuine spiritual character.

Part of speech: Neuter Noun

Tags: fig, fruit, spiritual-fruit, authenticity, discernment, jesus-teaching, metaphor, matthew, luke, james, holy-land-produce, biblical-symbolism​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​