συκομωραία
sykomōraía
G4809 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A type of tree, specifically the 'sycamore fig' (Ficus sycomorus), characterized by its fig-like edible fruit and large, broad leaves; used especially to refer to this species in the Eastern Mediterranean region. In biblical contexts, it denotes a common fruit-bearing tree of the lower regions, known for its economic and ecological significance.
Semantic Range
sycamore fig tree, fig-mulberry tree, fig-producing mulberry, a large fruit-bearing tree native to the Levant and Egypt; not the plane (Platanus) or acer (maple) 'sycamores' of Europe or America
Root / Etymology
Formed from σῦκον (fig) and μοραία (from μόρον, 'mulberry tree'), denoting a 'fig-mulberry' tree; that is, a tree similar to a fig but with attributes of a mulberry. This is not etymologically related to the modern European or American 'sycamore'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Koine Greek, συκομωραία refers to the species Ficus sycomorus, native to the Levant and Egypt. It is distinct from συκᾶμινος (G4807), often translated as 'mulberry tree.' The συκομωραία was cultivated for its fruit and durable wood; it thrived in warm, lowland areas and is frequently mentioned in Greek, Hebrew (שִׁקְמָה), and Egyptian sources. In the Septuagint, it translates the Hebrew שִׁקְמָה in passages such as Amos 7:14. In the New Testament, the term occurs in Luke 19:4, illustrating a setting in Jericho where such trees were common. English translations often render it as 'sycamore tree,' though this may be misleading since the Mediterranean sykomōraía is unrelated to the North American Platanus or British sycamore. The word denotes a specific species important to the social and agricultural life of ancient Judea and the wider Eastern Mediterranean.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σῦκον and (the mulberry); the "sycamore"-fig tree:--sycamore tree. Compare συκάμινος.
Root Family
σῦκ-, μορα- (sykomōraía) — fig, mulberry, tree
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4809-01 |
συκομορέαν | sukomorean | N ACC F SG |
sycamore tree | a sycamore-fig tree | a sycamore-fig tree | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4809-01 |
Luke 19:4 | συκομορέαν | sukomorean | N ACC F SG |
sycamore tree | a sycamore-fig tree | a sycamore-fig tree |