Brief Overview of συκοφαντέω (Strong’s G4811: sykophanteō)

Strong’s G4811: A compound verb from σῦκον (fig) and φαίνω (to show), originally referring to those who informed against illegal fig exporters in ancient Athens. In biblical usage, it means to accuse falsely, extort, or blackmail, often in contexts of economic exploitation.

U – Unveiling the Word

Συκοφαντέω carries a rich historical meaning that evolved from exposing fig smugglers to becoming a general term for false accusation and extortion. In Luke 3:14, John the Baptist uses it to address the corrupt practices of soldiers, while in Luke 19:8, Zacchaeus confesses to such exploitation. Early church fathers used this term to denounce economic injustice and false accusations against believers. Today, it reminds us of the continuing need for economic justice and truthful dealings in Christian life.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συκοφαντέω, sykophanteō, /soo-ko-fan-TEH-oh/
• Pronunciation: soo-ko-fan-TEH-oh (stress on second-to-last syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σῦκον (sykon): fig
• φαίνω (phainō): to show or bring to light
• -έω (-eō): verb ending
  Originally meant “to show figs” or “expose fig smuggling”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To accuse falsely
2. To extort
3. To blackmail
4. To exploit through false accusations

For compound words:

• σῦκον (sykon): provides historical context from fig trade
• φαίνω (phainō): adds the notion of exposing or revealing
  Together they formed a term for malicious accusation

Translation Options:

1. “To extort” – Emphasizes economic exploitation
2. “To falsely accuse” – Highlights the deceptive aspect
3. “To blackmail” – Captures the coercive nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διαβάλλω (diaballō) /dee-ah-BAL-lo/ – to slander or accuse. See G1225
• κατηγορέω (katēgoreō) /kat-ay-gor-EH-oh/ – to bring charges against. See G2723
• ἐπηρεάζω (epēreazō) /ep-ay-reh-AD-zo/ – to threaten or mistreat. See G1908

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Simple (Aorist), Completed (Perfect)

Examples:

• Present Active: συκοφαντῶ – I am extorting
• Aorist Active: ἐσυκοφάντησα – I extorted
• Perfect Active: σεσυκοφάντηκα – I have extorted

Cross-references:

• Noun: συκοφάντης (sykophantēs)
• Abstract noun: συκοφαντία (sykophantia)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of economic exploitation. Thayer’s traces its evolution from fig-related accusations. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples. Vine’s highlights its use in Luke’s writings. Strong’s connects it to false accusation. LEH discusses its Septuagint usage regarding oppression. Moulton and Milligan show its frequent use in legal papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 3:14 “Soldiers also asked him, ‘And we, what shall we do?’ And he said to them, ‘Do not [extort money] {συκοφαντέω} from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.'”

Additional References:
Luke 19:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Aristophanes: Knights	“The politicians [falsely accused] {συκοφαντέω} honest citizens for their own gain.”
Lysias: Against the Grain-Dealers	“They [extorted] {συκοφαντέω} money from merchants through threats of prosecution.”
Demosthenes: Against Aphobus	“He [maliciously accused] {συκοφαντέω} me to obtain my inheritance.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συκοφαντέω powerfully illustrates how economic injustice and false accusation oppose God’s kingdom values. Through John’s preaching and Zacchaeus’s repentance, we see that the good news of King Jesus calls us to economic justice and truthful dealings. It reminds us that genuine repentance often involves making right our economic wrongs.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term originally referred to informants who reported illegal fig exports from ancient Athens.
2. It became so commonly used that it gave us the English word “sycophant.”
3. Ancient Athenian courts had special procedures for dealing with professional sycophants.

Strong’s G4811: A compound verb from σῦκον (fig) and φαίνω (to show), originally referring to those who informed against illegal fig exporters in ancient Athens. In biblical usage, it means to accuse falsely, extort, or blackmail, often in contexts of economic exploitation.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: false-accusation, extortion, economic-justice, repentance, luke, john-the-baptist, zacchaeus, exploitation, ethics, economic-ethics, justice, corruption​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​