Lexical Summary olunthos: Unripe fig Original Word: ὄλυνθος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance an unripe figOf uncertain derivation; an unripe (because out of season) fig -- untimely fig. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition an unripe fig NASB Translation unripe figs (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3653: ὄλυνθοςὄλυνθος, ὀλυνθου, ὁ, an unripe fig (Latingrossus), which grows during the winter, yet does not come to maturity but fails off in the spring (cf. B. D. under the word Topical Lexicon Definition and Imagery Strong’s Greek 3653, ὀλύνθος, points to an unripe or early-season fig—fruit that appears promising but is not yet ready for harvest. In Scripture, fig trees regularly symbolize Israel (Jeremiah 24:1-10; Hosea 9:10), covenant fruitfulness (Micah 4:4), and at times spiritual barrenness (Matthew 21:18-19). An unripe fig thus becomes a startling picture of potential cut short, fragility under pressure, and judgment falling before maturity. Biblical Occurrence Revelation 6:13 contains the sole New Testament use: “and the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind”. The sixth-seal vision shows cosmic collapse; heavenly bodies tumble as effortlessly as immature figs in a storm, underscoring the certainty and suddenness of divine wrath. Old Testament Background of Fig Imagery 1. Isaiah 34:4 describes the hosts of heaven withering “like withered leaves from the vine and like withered figs from the fig tree,” preparing the way for John’s vision. Historical and Cultural Context In the ancient Near East the early fig appears in spring before the main summer crop. Farmers prized early figs for their sweetness, but heavy winds or careless handling could make them drop prematurely, leaving no gleaning. John’s audience in Asia Minor, living amid vineyards and fig orchards, would grasp at once the prophetic force of figs shaken off and wasted. Apocalyptic Significance John links the image to the cosmic disturbances that herald the Day of the Lord. Just as an unseasonable gale strips a tree, God’s irresistible decree will dislodge every power opposed to His reign. The vision draws on prophetic precedent but intensifies it: what Isaiah foresaw, John situates within the climactic judgments preceding Christ’s return. Intertextual Echoes Revelation 6:13 resonates with other Johannine statements: Theological Themes 1. Sovereignty: Creation serves God’s purpose; when He shakes, even the heavens obey. Christological and Eschatological Insights Jesus employed fig-tree imagery in His Olivet discourse (Matthew 24:32-33; Mark 13:28-29; Luke 21:29-31). The sprouting of leaves signals summer’s approach; conversely, Revelation 6:13’s falling figs signal judgment at the door. The two pictures frame redemptive history: the budding assures believers of redemption’s nearness, the shaking warns the unrepentant of impending wrath. Spiritual and Ministry Applications • Urgency of Readiness: Churches must cultivate mature fruit—love, holiness, witness—before the eschatological storm arrives. Conclusion Though ὀλύνθος appears only once, its solitary use amplifies a sweeping biblical pattern: God’s judgment can come suddenly, stripping away what is immature and unprepared. The wise respond by abiding in Christ, “who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before His glorious presence with great joy” (Jude 24). Forms and Transliterations ολυνθους ολύνθους ὀλύνθους ολύρα ολύραν ολυρίτης olunthous olynthous olýnthousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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