Topical Encyclopedia
The sycamore tree, known scientifically as
Ficus sycomorus, is a significant tree mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of the ancient Near East. It is a type of fig tree, distinct from the sycamore trees found in North America and Europe. The sycamore tree is notable for its large size, broad leaves, and edible fruit, which resembles a fig. It thrives in the warm climates of the Middle East and Africa, often found in the lowland areas of Israel.
Biblical References:
1.Old Testament:
· The sycamore tree is first mentioned in the context of King Solomon's reign. In1 Kings 10:27 , it is noted that "The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills." This highlights the abundance and commonality of the sycamore tree during Solomon's prosperous reign.
· In1 Chronicles 27:28 , Baal-Hanan the Gederite is mentioned as being in charge of the olive and sycamore trees in the Shephelah, indicating the tree's agricultural importance.
· The prophet Amos, inAmos 7:14 , identifies himself as a "dresser of sycamore-fig trees," suggesting a humble occupation and familiarity with the tree's cultivation.
2.New Testament:
· The sycamore tree is famously associated with the account of Zacchaeus inLuke 19:4 : "So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way." This account underscores the tree's sturdy branches and accessibility, allowing Zacchaeus to gain a vantage point to see Jesus.
Cultural and Symbolic Significance:
In biblical times, the sycamore tree was valued not only for its fruit but also for its wood, which was used in construction and furniture making due to its durability. The tree's presence in various biblical narratives often symbolizes prosperity, abundance, and accessibility. Its mention in the context of Solomon's wealth and Zacchaeus's encounter with Jesus highlights its role in both everyday life and significant spiritual events.
The sycamore tree's ability to thrive in less fertile soil and its resilience in harsh conditions can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual growth and endurance. Its widespread presence in the biblical landscape serves as a reminder of God's provision and the interconnectedness of creation.
Conclusion:
The sycamore tree, with its rich biblical heritage, continues to be a symbol of growth, provision, and divine encounter. Its role in scripture, from the reign of Solomon to the ministry of Jesus, reflects its enduring significance in the biblical narrative.Greek
4809. sukomorea -- the fig-mulberry tree, sycamore fig
... sycamore fig. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: sukomorea Phonetic
Spelling: (soo-kom-o-rah'-yah) Short Definition: asycamore tree Definition: a...
4807. sukaminos -- the mulberry tree, the sycamine
... the sycamine. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: sukaminos Phonetic
Spelling: (soo-kam'-ee-nos) Short Definition: asycamore tree Definition: a...
Strong's Hebrew
8256. shiqmah --sycamore tree... 8255, 8256. shiqmah. 8257 .
sycamore tree. Transliteration: shiqmah Phonetic
Spelling: (shaw-kawm') Short Definition: trees. Word
...Library
Election no Discouragement to Seeking Souls
... See ye anything, my brethren, in that rich publican whose coffers are gorged with
the results of his extortion, when he climbs thesycamore-tree, that his...
Melted by Kindness
... the rich tax gatherer, pocketing his dignity, and unable to see over the heads of
the crowd, scrambled up into the branches of thesycamore tree that overhung...
Ciii. Zacch??us. Parable of the Pounds. Journey to Jerusalem.
... Zacch??us shared this excitement.] 4 And he ran on before, and climbed up into
asycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way....
Predestination and Calling
... short fellow, and he cannot see Christ, though he has a great curiosity to look
at him; so he runs before the crowd and climbs up asycamore tree, and thinking...
The Conversion of Zaccheus
... unto it." No, finding he could not see Christ, if he continued in the midst of,
"he ran before the multitude, and climbed up into asycamore-tree, to see him...
The Last Journey to Jerusalem.
... He wanted to see Jesus as He passed, but the crowd was great, and he was a small
man, so he ran before the people and climbed up into asycamore tree to see Him...
Machinations of the Enemies of Jesus.
... The chief receiver, Zaccheus, a rich man, desired to see Jesus.[5] As he was of
small stature, he climbed asycamore tree near the road which the procession...
Christ and the Dog
... You remember how Zaccheus, the little, short man who had been robbing the people
by collecting too much tax-money, climbed up into asycamore tree to see...
The visit to Zacchaeus.
... little of stature. And he ran on before, and climbed up into asycamore tree
to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus...
Jesus Makes the Wicked Zaccheus his Friend
... because he was short. So he ran ahead and climbed into asycamore-tree
to see Jesus, for he was to pass that way. When Jesus came...
Thesaurus
Sycamore-tree (1 Occurrence)Sycamore-
tree. Sycamores,
Sycamore-
tree. Sycamore-trees .
Multi-Version Concordance
Sycamore-
tree (1 Occurrence). Luke
...Sycamore (9 Occurrences)
... Luke 17:6 The Lord said, "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would
tell thissycamoretree,'Be uprooted, and be planted in the sea,' and it...
Zacchaeus (3 Occurrences)
... hastened on before the multitude who were thronging about Christ as he passed through
Jericho on his way to Jerusalem, and climbed up asycamoretree that he...
Uprooted (29 Occurrences)
... Luke 17:6 The Lord said, "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would
tell thissycamoretree,'Be uprooted, and be planted in the sea,' and it...
Rooted (15 Occurrences)
... Luke 17:6 The Lord said, "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would
tell thissycamoretree,'Be uprooted, and be planted in the sea,' and it...
Ran (100 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Luke 19:4 He ran on ahead, and climbed
up into asycamoretree to see him, for he was to pass that way....
Mustard (5 Occurrences)
... Luke 17:6 The Lord said, "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would
tell thissycamoretree,'Be uprooted, and be planted in the sea,' and it...
Plant (92 Occurrences)
... Luke 17:6 The Lord said, "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would
tell thissycamoretree,'Be uprooted, and be planted in the sea,' and it...
Planted (105 Occurrences)
... Luke 17:6 The Lord said, "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would
tell thissycamoretree,'Be uprooted, and be planted in the sea,' and it...
Climbed (16 Occurrences)
... Luke 19:4 He ran on ahead, and climbed up into asycamoretree to see him, for
he was to pass that way. (WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV)....
Resources
Who was Zacchaeus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus curse the fig tree? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the olive tree in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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