← G4807 G4809 →

συκῆ

sykē

G4808 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Fig tree; a tree bearing figs (Ficus carica). In the New Testament and Hellenistic Greek, primarily denotes the plant itself, but may in some contexts serve as a symbol or literary motif tied to abundance, judgment, or peace. Carries no religious or ritual connotation inherently, but is notable as a common and culturally significant tree in the eastern Mediterranean.

Semantic Range

fig tree (botanical), fig tree as a symbol of prosperity, peace, or judgment; source of figs as fruit

Root / Etymology

From σῦκον (sykon, 'fig') with the feminine tree suffix -η; literally 'fig tree.' Cognates in other ancient languages for fig exist, but the Greek formation is native.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, συκῆ refers specifically to the fig tree, a common and esteemed fruit tree across the Mediterranean world. The term appears in agricultural, economic, and literary contexts, symbolizing plenty, peace, or, in certain metaphorical uses, spiritual or national status. In the LXX and New Testament, συκῆ appears both as a literal tree and in figurative expressions, such as 'sitting under one's fig tree' (a traditional image of safety and prosperity, e.g., Micah 4:4). In some parables (e.g., Luke 13:6–9, Mark 11:12–21), the fig tree can represent Israelite or Judean society or spiritual fruitfulness, but the word itself does not convey this symbolism outside of specific narrative contexts. English 'fig tree' adequately translates the word, but modern readers should recognize the plant's symbolic resonance in ancient Near Eastern culture. Different from ἄμπελος (ampelos, 'vine'), συκῆ designates a very familiar and economically important tree.

Translation Consistency

primary "fig tree" 16 occurrences

συκῆ denotes the plant (the fig tree) rather than the fruit itself; using “fig tree” is clear, natural, and avoids ambiguity with the fruit ‘fig,’ while remaining faithful to the typical NT usage and symbolic senses (prosperity, judgment, etc.).

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from σῦκον; a fig-tree:--fig tree.

Root Family

συκ- (sykáminos) — fig, fig tree, sycamore-fig

Root συκ- fig, fig tree
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G4807 συκάμινος to a sycamore-fig tree

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4808-01 συκῆ suke N NOM F SG fig tree fig tree fig tree 6
G4808-02 συκῆν suken N ACC F SG fig tree fig tree fig tree 6
G4808-03 συκῆς sukes N GEN F SG fig tree of a fig tree fig tree 4

Occurrences in Scripture

16 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4808-02 Matthew 21:19 συκῆν suken N ACC F SG a fig tree fig tree fig tree
G4808-01 Matthew 21:19 συκῆ suke N NOM F SG fig tree fig tree fig tree
G4808-01 Matthew 21:20 συκῆ suke N NOM F SG fig tree fig tree fig tree
G4808-03 Matthew 21:21 συκῆς sukes N GEN F SG fig tree of a fig tree fig tree
G4808-03 Matthew 24:32 συκῆς sukes N GEN F SG fig tree of a fig tree fig tree
G4808-02 Mark 11:13 συκῆν suken N ACC F SG fig tree fig tree fig tree
G4808-02 Mark 11:20 συκῆν suken N ACC F SG fig tree fig tree fig tree
G4808-01 Mark 11:21 συκῆ suke N NOM F SG fig tree fig tree fig tree
G4808-03 Mark 13:28 συκῆς sukes N GEN F SG fig tree of a fig tree fig tree
G4808-02 Luke 13:6 συκῆν suken N ACC F SG fig tree fig tree fig tree
G4808-01 Luke 13:7 συκῇ suke N DAT F SG fig tree fig tree fig tree
G4808-02 Luke 21:29 συκῆν suken N ACC F SG fig tree fig tree fig tree
G4808-02 John 1:48 συκῆν suken N ACC F SG fig tree fig tree fig tree
G4808-03 John 1:50 συκῆς sukes N GEN F SG fig tree of a fig tree fig tree
G4808-01 James 3:12 συκῆ suke N NOM F SG fig tree fig tree fig tree
G4808-01 Revelation 6:13 συκῆ suke N NOM F SG fig tree fig tree fig tree
← G4807 Greek Lexicon G4809 →