Brief Overview of συκάμινος (Strong’s G4807: sykaminos)

Strong’s G4807: A feminine noun of non-Greek (possibly Semitic) origin, referring to the black mulberry tree (Morus nigra), known for its deep roots and strength. In Luke’s gospel, it serves as a metaphor for seemingly impossible tasks that can be accomplished through faith.

U – Unveiling the Word

Συκάμινος holds specific significance in Jesus’ teaching about faith in Luke 17:6. The black mulberry tree was chosen deliberately for this metaphor due to its extensive root system and remarkable strength, making its uprooting seem impossible. In its New Testament context, it illustrates the extraordinary power of even the smallest amount of genuine faith. Early church fathers often used this image to teach about the transformative power of faith in seemingly impossible situations. Today, it continues to remind believers that authentic faith in God can overcome what appears humanly impossible.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συκάμινος, sykaminos, /soo-KAM-ee-nos/
• Pronunciation: soo-KAM-ee-nos (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Feminine Noun

Etymology:

• Likely derived from Hebrew שקמה (shikmah) or Aramaic שקמא (shikmā)
• Hellenized form with Greek suffix -ινος (-inos)
• Not a compound word but a borrowed term adapted to Greek morphology

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. Black mulberry tree (Morus nigra)
2. Mulberry fruit
3. A tree known for its strong root system

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but a borrowed term

Translation Options:

1. “Mulberry tree” – Most common English translation
2. “Black mulberry” – More specific botanical identification
3. “Sycamine tree” – Transliterated form used in some translations

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συκομορέα (sykomōrea) /soo-kom-oh-REH-ah/ – refers to the sycamore-fig tree. See G4809
• συκῆ (sykē) /soo-KAY/ – the common fig tree. See G4808
• 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: Second declension

Examples of case endings:

• Nominative singular: συκάμινος
• Genitive singular: συκαμίνου
• Dative singular: συκαμίνῳ
• Accusative singular: συκάμινον

Cross-references:

• Adjective form: συκαμίνινος (sykamininos)
• Diminutive: συκαμίνιον (sykaminion)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG identifies it specifically as the black mulberry tree. Thayer’s distinguishes it from the συκομορέα. LSJ notes its use in agricultural contexts. Vine’s emphasizes its role in Jesus’ teaching about faith. Strong’s connects it to its Semitic origins. LEH discusses its appearance in the Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its use in agricultural documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 17:6 “And the Lord said, ‘If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this [mulberry tree] {συκάμινος}, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea,” and it would obey you.'”

Additional References:
As a hapax legomenon, it appears only in Luke 17:6.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Theophrastus: Historia Plantarum	“The [mulberry tree] {συκάμινος} produces fruit throughout the summer season.”
Dioscorides: De Materia Medica	“The fruit of the [mulberry] {συκάμινος} has medicinal properties when properly prepared.”
Athenaeus: Deipnosophistae	“The [mulberry trees] {συκάμινος} of Egypt differ from those grown in Greece.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συκάμινος serves as a powerful metaphor in Jesus’ teaching about faith. By choosing this particular tree, known for its robust root system, our Lord emphasizes that genuine faith in Him can accomplish what seems impossible. This promotes the good news by showing that the Kingdom of God operates not by human strength but through faith in the Messiah’s power.

D – Did You Know?

1. The black mulberry tree can live for hundreds of years and develops an extremely deep root system.
2. Ancient dye-makers used the fruit of this tree to create rich purple colors.
3. The wood was highly valued in the Holy Land for both construction and furniture-making.

Strong’s G4807: A feminine noun of non-Greek (possibly Semitic) origin, referring to the black mulberry tree (Morus nigra), known for its deep roots and strength. In Luke’s gospel, it serves as a metaphor for seemingly impossible tasks that can be accomplished through faith.

Part of speech: Feminine Noun

Tags: mulberry-tree, faith, luke, jesus-teaching, botanical, metaphor, impossible-tasks, holy-land-flora, tree, miracle, faith-teaching, nature-metaphor​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​