Jump to: Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The sycamore tree, known scientifically as Ficus sycomorus, is a significant plant mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of the ancient Near East. This tree is notable for its robust size, wide-spreading branches, and its ability to thrive in the warm climates of the region. The sycamore is often associated with prosperity and abundance due to its fruit-bearing nature and the shade it provides.Biblical References: 1. 1 Kings 10:27 : "The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills." This verse highlights the sycamore's abundance in the land during King Solomon's reign, symbolizing the prosperity and wealth of Israel at that time. 2. 2 Chronicles 1:15 : "The king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills." This parallel passage to 1 Kings 10:27 reiterates the sycamore's prevalence and the economic prosperity under Solomon's rule. 3. Amos 7:14 : "Amos answered, 'I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees.'" Here, the prophet Amos describes his humble origins, indicating that tending sycamore trees was a common occupation, reflecting the tree's economic importance. 4. Luke 19:4 : "So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way." This account of Zacchaeus climbing a sycamore tree to see Jesus illustrates the tree's physical characteristics, such as its sturdy branches and accessibility, which made it suitable for climbing. Cultural and Economic Significance: In biblical times, the sycamore tree was valued not only for its wood but also for its fruit, which was a staple food source for many. The fruit, similar to figs, was consumed by the local population and played a role in the agrarian economy. The wood of the sycamore was used in construction and for making furniture, contributing to its economic significance. Symbolism: The sycamore tree is often seen as a symbol of regeneration and strength. Its ability to grow in various conditions and its long lifespan make it a metaphor for resilience and endurance. In the context of biblical narratives, the sycamore can also represent humility and the accessibility of divine encounters, as seen in the account of Zacchaeus. Historical Context: The sycamore tree's presence in the biblical landscape is well-documented through archaeological findings and historical records. It was commonly found in the lowland regions of Israel and Egypt, where it was cultivated for its fruit and timber. The tree's mention in various biblical texts underscores its integral role in the daily life and economy of ancient Israel. In summary, the sycamore tree holds a multifaceted role in the Bible, serving as a symbol of prosperity, humility, and divine encounter, while also being a practical resource for the people of ancient Israel. Smith's Bible Dictionary Sycamore(Heb. shikmah). Although it may be admitted that the sycamine is properly, and in (Luke 17:6) the mulberry, and the sycamore the mulberry, or sycamore-fig (Ficus sycomorus), yet the latter is the tree generally referred to in the Old Testament and called by the Septuagint sycamine, as (1 Kings 10:27; 1 Chronicles 27:28; Psalms 78:47; Amos 7:14) The Sycamore or fig-mulberry, is in Egypt and Palestine a tree of great importance and very extensive use. It attains the size of a walnut tree has wide-spreading branches and affords a delightful shade. On this account it is frequently planted by the waysides. Its leaves are heart-shaped, downy on the under side, and fragrant. The Fruit grows directly from the trunk itself on little sprigs, and in clusters like the grape. To make It eatable, each fruit, three or four days before gathering, must, it is said, be punctured with a sharp instrument or the finger-nail. This was the original employment of the prophet Amos, as he says. (Amos 7:14) So great was the value of these trees that David appointed for them in his kingdom a special overseer, as he did for the olives (1 Chronicles 27:28) and it is mentioned as one of the heaviest of Egypt's calamities that her sycamore were destroyed by hailstones. Easton's Bible Dictionary More properly sycomore (Hebrews shikmoth and shikmim, Gr. sycomoros), a tree which in its general character resembles the fig-tree, while its leaves resemble those of the mulberry; hence it is called the fig-mulberry (Ficus sycomorus). At Jericho, Zacchaeus climbed a sycomore-tree to see Jesus as he passed by (Luke 19:4). This tree was easily destroyed by frost (Psalm 78:47), and therefore it is found mostly in the "vale" (1 Kings 10:27; 2 Chronicles 1:15: in both passages the R.V. has properly "lowland"), i.e., the "low country," the shephelah, where the climate is mild. Amos (7:14) refers to its fruit, which is of an inferior character; so also probably Jeremiah (24:2). It is to be distinguished from our sycamore (the Acer pseudo-platanus), which is a species of maple often called a plane-tree. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A large tree (Ficus Sycomorus) allied to the common fig. It is found in Egypt and Syria, and is the sycamore, or sycamine, of Scripture.2. (n.) The American plane tree, or buttonwood. 3. (n.) A large European species of maple (Acer Pseudo-Platanus). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SYCAMOREsik'-a-mor. Greek 4809. sukomorea -- the fig-mulberry tree, sycamore fig ... the fig-mulberry tree, sycamore fig. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: sukomorea Phonetic Spelling: (soo-kom-o-rah'-yah) Short Definition: a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4809.htm - 7k 4807. sukaminos -- the mulberry tree, the sycamine Strong's Hebrew 8256. shiqmah -- sycamore tree... 8255, 8256. shiqmah. 8257 . sycamore tree. Transliteration: shiqmah Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-kawm') Short Definition: trees. Word ... /hebrew/8256.htm - 6k 1103. balas -- to gather figs Library Melted by Kindness The Conversion of Zaccheus Ciii. Zacch??us. Parable of the Pounds. Journey to Jerusalem. Election no Discouragement to Seeking Souls Unprofitable Servants. Predestination and Calling Striking Similes Machinations of the Enemies of Jesus. Preparation for Advent "Little Mother" Thesaurus Sycamore (9 Occurrences)... Amos (7:14) refers to its fruit, which is of an inferior character; so also probably Jeremiah (24:2). It is to be distinguished from our sycamore (the Acer ... /s/sycamore.htm - 10k Sycamore-fig (6 Occurrences) Sycamore-trees (6 Occurrences) Sycamore-tree (1 Occurrence) Sycamore-figs (1 Occurrence) Foothills (19 Occurrences) Shephe'lah (10 Occurrences) Lowland (34 Occurrences) Cedars (37 Occurrences) Lowlands (25 Occurrences) Resources Who was Zacchaeus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgSycamore: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sycamore (9 Occurrences)Luke 17:6 Luke 19:4 1 Kings 10:27 1 Chronicles 27:28 2 Chronicles 1:15 2 Chronicles 9:27 Psalms 78:47 Isaiah 9:10 Amos 7:14 Subtopics Sycamore: Abundant in the Land of Canaan Sycamore: Groves of, Cared For Sycamore: Zacchaeus Climbs Into A Related Terms |
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