Lexical Summary suké: Fig tree Original Word: συκῆ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fig tree. From sukon; a fig-tree -- fig tree. see GREEK sukon HELPS Word-studies 4808 sykḗ – fig tree which grows plentifully in Palestine as a wild and cultivated tree. The fig tree bears bountiful figs, ripening principally in the month of August. ["Early figs" ripen in June – and a later (second) harvest comes in August and September.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sukon Definition a fig tree NASB Translation fig tree (16). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4808: συκῆσυκῆ, συκῆς, ἡ (contracted from συκεα), from Homer down, Hebrew תְּאֵנָה, a fig-tree: Matthew 21:19-21; Matthew 24:32; Mark 11:13, 20; Mark 13:28; Luke 13:6; Luke 21:29; John 1:48 (49), 50 (51); James 3:12; Revelation 6:13. (Cf. Löw, Aram. Pflanzennamen, § 335.) Topical Lexicon Overview The fig tree stands in Scripture as a living parable of covenant privilege, expected fruitfulness, imminent judgment, and ultimate restoration. From Edenic abundance to eschatological upheaval, its presence frames crucial moments in the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ and the wider apostolic witness. Botanical and Cultural Background Native to the lands of Israel, the fig bears fruit twice yearly. Early figs appear with the spring leaves; late figs mature in summer. Because foliage normally signals edible fruit, a leafed tree without figs embodies deceptive barrenness—a fitting emblem for unrepentant hearts. In daily life the fig provided sweetness, shade, and medicine; in prophetic speech it became a moral gauge of the nation. New Testament Occurrences 1. Matthew 21:19–21; Mark 11:13, 20–21 – The cursing and withering of the fig tree. Fruitfulness and Divine Expectation “Seeing a fig tree by the road, He went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then He said to it, ‘May you never bear fruit again.’ Immediately the tree withered” (Matthew 21:19). Jesus exposes empty religiosity: outward foliage without inward yield. The withered roots (Mark 11:20) warn that unfruitful privilege invites decisive judgment. Yet the Lord’s subsequent teaching on faith (Matthew 21:21) shows that spiritual vitality, not mere profession, moves mountains. Patience and Imminent Judgment The keeper in Luke 13:7 pleads, “Sir, leave it alone again this year…,” highlighting divine patience. But the axe still lies at the root if repentance remains absent. The parable thus balances forbearance with the certainty of accountability. Israel and the Nations Old Testament prophets often pair “vine and fig tree” to picture covenant blessing. Jesus’ use of the fig tree during Passion Week targets Israel’s leadership while also forecasting the gospel’s reach to “all the trees” (Luke 21:29)—Gentile nations that likewise must watch for the kingdom. Eschatological Watchfulness “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branches become tender and sprout leaves, you know that summer is near” (Matthew 24:32). Just as budding signals a change of season, so the convergence of end-time signs signals the nearness of the Son of Man. Believers are called to discern the times, maintaining hope without date-setting. Personal Revelation and Discipleship “I saw you while you were under the fig tree” (John 1:48). For Nathanael the fig tree was a place of meditation; for Jesus it became proof of omniscience and a gateway to greater revelation. The encounter invites disciples to openness before the searching gaze of the Messiah. Moral Integrity “My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives…?” (James 3:12). Spiritual produce must match spiritual nature. A regenerate heart cannot habitually yield corrupt speech, just as a salt spring cannot give fresh water. The metaphor demands coherence between confession and conduct. Cosmic Upheaval “The stars of heaven fell to the earth, like unripe figs dropping from a tree shaken by a great wind” (Revelation 6:13). The fig tree here pictures the sudden, unstoppable collapse of created order under divine wrath, reminding the church that final judgment is global, not merely national. Rabbinic and Intertestamental Echoes First-century rabbis viewed the fig as a symbol of Torah study: fruit available morning and evening, ever inviting. Jesus’ actions subvert this complacency—Scripture embraced without obedience proves sterile. His prophetic sign therefore resonates within Jewish thought while surpassing it through messianic authority. Christological Focus The barren fig tree miracle, the only destructive act in Jesus’ ministry, brackets the cleansing of the temple (Mark 11:15-17). Together they unveil the King purifying His house and foreshadowing His own body as the new, fruitful locus of worship. Resurrection life will succeed where Israel’s leaders failed. Pastoral and Missional Implications • Examine professing communities for genuine fruit—justice, mercy, faithfulness. Summary The fig tree of Strong’s Greek 4808 threads through the Gospel narrative, epistolary exhortation, and apocalyptic vision, uniting themes of privilege, expectancy, judgment, and hope. Its leaves caution against hollow display; its fruit offers sweetness to the obedient. In every season, the believer is summoned to bear lasting fruit to the glory of God. Forms and Transliterations συκαί συκαίς συκάς συκη συκή συκῇ συκῆ συκην συκήν συκῆν συκης συκής συκῆς συκών συκώνας suke sukē suken sukēn sukes sukēs syke sykê sykē sykē̂ sykêi sykē̂i syken sykên sykēn sykē̂n sykes sykês sykēs sykē̂sLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 21:19 N-AFSGRK: καὶ ἰδὼν συκῆν μίαν ἐπὶ NAS: Seeing a lone fig tree by the road, KJV: when he saw a fig tree in the way, INT: and having seen fig tree one along Matthew 21:19 N-NFS Matthew 21:20 N-NFS Matthew 21:21 N-GFS Matthew 24:32 N-GFS Mark 11:13 N-AFS Mark 11:20 N-AFS Mark 11:21 N-NFS Mark 13:28 N-GFS Luke 13:6 N-AFS Luke 13:7 N-DFS Luke 21:29 N-AFS John 1:48 N-AFS John 1:50 N-GFS James 3:12 N-NFS Revelation 6:13 N-NFS Strong's Greek 4808 |
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