Brief Overview of συκῆ (Strong’s G4808: sykē)

Strong’s G4808: A feminine noun meaning “fig tree.” In biblical usage, it holds significant cultural and symbolic meaning, representing prosperity, peace, and spiritual fruitfulness in Jewish tradition. Jesus uses the fig tree prominently in His teachings about faith, judgment, and the Kingdom of God.

U – Unveiling the Word

Συκῆ carries deep cultural and theological significance in Scripture. In the Holy Land, the fig tree was a symbol of prosperity, peace, and national well-being. Jesus uses it in several key teachings, most notably in the cursing of the barren fig tree (Matthew 21:19), which symbolized judgment on unfruitful religious practice. In Mark 13:28, He uses it to teach about discerning the signs of the times. Early church fathers saw the fig tree as a symbol of Israel and the church’s call to spiritual fruitfulness. Today, it continues to remind believers of our calling to bear authentic spiritual fruit.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συκῆ, sykē, /soo-KAY/
• Pronunciation: soo-KAY (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Feminine 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 tree (Ficus carica)
2. The tree and its fruit collectively
3. Symbol of peace and prosperity

For compound words:
Not a compound word

Translation Options:

1. “Fig tree” – Standard translation emphasizing the plant
2. “Fig” – When context implies the tree
3. “Fig garden” – When referring to a collection of trees

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συκάμινος (sykaminos) /soo-KAM-ee-nos/ – refers to the black mulberry tree. See G4807
• συκομορέα (sykomōrea) /soo-kom-oh-REH-ah/ – the sycamore-fig tree. See G4809
• σῦκον (sykon) /SOO-kon/ – the fig fruit itself. See G4810

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: συκῆ
• Genitive singular: συκῆς
• Dative singular: συκῇ
• Accusative singular: συκῆν

Cross-references:

• Adjective: σύκινος (sykinos)
• Diminutive: συκίδιον (sykidion)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its literal and symbolic significance. Thayer’s notes its frequent metaphorical usage. LSJ provides extensive classical references. Vine’s highlights its use in Jesus’ parables. Strong’s connects it to agricultural contexts. LEH discusses its Septuagint usage representing peace and prosperity. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in agricultural documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 21:19 “And seeing a [fig tree] {συκῆ} by the wayside, He went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And He said to it, ‘May no fruit ever come from you again!’ And the fig tree withered at once.”

Additional References:
Matthew 21:20
Matthew 21:21
Matthew 24:32
Mark 11:13
Mark 13:28
Luke 13:6
Luke 21:29
James 3:12
Revelation 6:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Homer: Odyssey	“The sweet [fig tree] {συκῆ} grew beside the vineyard, bearing fruit in season.”
Herodotus: Histories	“The land was rich with [fig trees] {συκῆ} and olive groves.”
Theocritus: Idylls	“In summer shade they rested beneath the [fig tree] {συκῆ}.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συκῆ serves as a powerful symbol in Scripture of both blessing and judgment. Through Jesus’ teachings about the fig tree, we learn crucial lessons about authentic faith, spiritual fruitfulness, and divine timing. The good news is that while God expects genuine fruit in our lives, He also provides the grace and power through the Messiah to produce it.

D – Did You Know?

1. Fig trees in the Holy Land can produce multiple crops per year.
2. The cursing of the fig tree is the only destructive miracle Jesus performed.
3. Ancient Near Eastern covenants often mentioned fig trees as symbols of peace and prosperity.

Strong’s G4808: A feminine noun meaning “fig tree.” In biblical usage, it holds significant cultural and symbolic meaning, representing prosperity, peace, and spiritual fruitfulness in Jewish tradition. Jesus uses the fig tree prominently in His teachings about faith, judgment, and the Kingdom of God.

Part of speech: Feminine Noun

Tags: fig-tree, parables, jesus-teaching, judgment, spiritual-fruit, holy-land-flora, biblical-symbols, matthew, mark, luke, prophetic-signs, agricultural-metaphors​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​