Sycamore-trees
Jump to: ConcordanceThesaurusHebrewLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Sycamore-trees, known scientifically as Ficus sycomorus, are a type of fig tree that holds significant historical and cultural importance in the biblical narrative. These trees are mentioned several times in the Bible, primarily in the Old Testament, and are noted for their distinctive characteristics and uses.

Description and Characteristics

The sycamore tree is a large, spreading tree that can grow up to 20 meters in height. It is native to the Middle East and parts of Africa. The tree is known for its broad, dense canopy and its heart-shaped leaves. The fruit of the sycamore tree resembles a fig and is edible, though considered of lesser quality than the common fig. The wood of the sycamore is soft and was historically used for various purposes, including construction and making furniture.

Biblical References

1. 1 Kings 10:27 : "The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills." This verse highlights the abundance of sycamore trees during the reign of King Solomon, indicating their commonality and economic importance in ancient Israel.

2. 2 Chronicles 1:15 : "The king made silver and gold as plentiful in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills." This parallel passage to 1 Kings 10:27 reiterates the prosperity and wealth during Solomon's reign, with sycamore trees symbolizing abundance.

3. Psalm 78:47 : "He destroyed their vines with hail and their sycamore-figs with sleet." This verse refers to the plagues that God sent upon Egypt, illustrating the sycamore tree's presence in the region and its vulnerability to divine judgment.

4. Amos 7:14 : "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." The prophet Amos mentions his humble occupation, which included tending to sycamore trees, underscoring the tree's role in the agrarian society of ancient Israel.

5. Luke 19:4 : "So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus, since He was about to pass that way." In the New Testament, the sycamore tree is famously associated with Zacchaeus, the tax collector who climbed the tree to get a better view of Jesus. This account highlights the tree's sturdy branches and accessibility, making it suitable for climbing.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

In biblical times, sycamore trees were valued for their fruit and wood. The fruit, though not as prized as other figs, was a staple for the poor, providing sustenance in times of need. The wood, being soft and workable, was used in various construction projects, including coffins and furniture.

Symbolically, the sycamore tree represents resilience and provision. Its ability to thrive in diverse environments and its role in sustaining the less fortunate reflect God's provision and care for His people. The account of Zacchaeus further imbues the sycamore with spiritual significance, as it became a means for a sinner to encounter Christ, leading to repentance and transformation.

Conclusion

The sycamore tree, with its rich biblical heritage, serves as a testament to the everyday life and spiritual lessons found within Scripture. Its presence in both the Old and New Testaments underscores its enduring significance in the biblical landscape.
Strong's Hebrew
8256. shiqmah -- sycamore tree
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition sycamore tree NASB Word Usage sycamore
(1), sycamore trees (4), sycamores (2). sycamore fruit, tree. ...
/hebrew/8256.htm - 6k
Library

How Solomon Grew Rich, and Fell Desperately in Love with Women and ...
... in the street; and so multiplied cedar trees in the plains of Judea, which did not
grow there before, that they were like the multitude of common sycamore trees ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how solomon grew.htm

Pride of Prosperity
... "The king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and cedar trees
made he as the sycamore trees that are in the vale for abundance." 2 ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 3 pride of prosperity.htm

Ripe for Gathering
... We have first to note the vision and its interpretation. It is such as a
countryman, 'a dresser of sycamore trees' would naturally have. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/ripe for gathering.htm

Amos and Obadiah.
... His home was at Tokea, a small town of Judea about twelve miles south of Jerusalem,
where he acted as herdsman and as dresser of sycamore trees. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xix amos and obadiah.htm

Pagan Cemeteries.
... the scenes represents the borders of a river, with villas, temples, shrines, and
pastoral huts scattered under the shade of palm or sycamore trees, the foliage ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vi pagan cemeteries.htm

Thesaurus
Sycamore-trees (6 Occurrences)
Sycamore-trees. Sycamore-tree, Sycamore-trees. Sychar .
Multi-Version Concordance Sycamore-trees (6 Occurrences). 1 ...
/s/sycamore-trees.htm - 8k

Foothills (19 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:27 The king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made
he to be as the sycamoretrees that are in the lowland, for abundance. ...
/f/foothills.htm - 12k

Sycamore (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:27 The king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made
he to be as the sycamoretrees that are in the lowland, for abundance. ...
/s/sycamore.htm - 10k

Shephe'lah (10 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:27 The king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made
he to be as the sycamoretrees that are in the lowland, for abundance. ...
/s/shephe'lah.htm - 9k

Lowland (34 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 1 Kings 10:27 The king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars
made he to be as the sycamoretrees that are in the lowland, for abundance. ...
/l/lowland.htm - 19k

Lowlands (25 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 1 Kings 10:27 And the king made silver as common as stones in Jerusalem and
cedars like the sycamore-trees of the lowlands in number. (BBE). ...
/l/lowlands.htm - 14k

Plentiful (17 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 1 Kings 10:27 The king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars
made he to be as the sycamoretrees that are in the lowland, for abundance. ...
/p/plentiful.htm - 11k

Cedars (37 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:27 The king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made
he to be as the sycamoretrees that are in the lowland, for abundance. ...
/c/cedars.htm - 18k

Sycamore-fig (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:27 And the king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars
made he to be as the sycamore-trees that are in the Lowland, for abundance. ...
/s/sycamore-fig.htm - 8k

Plains (31 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 27:28 And over the olive trees and the sycamoretrees that were in
the low plains was Baalhanan the Gederite: and over the cellars of oil was Joash ...
/p/plains.htm - 16k

Resources
What is the significance of the olive tree in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What are the meanings of the various visions in the book of Zechariah? | GotQuestions.org

What is the lily of the valley (Song of Solomon 2:1)? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Sycamore-trees (6 Occurrences)

1 Kings 10:27
And the king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycomore-trees that are in the lowland, for abundance.
(See JPS BBE)

1 Chronicles 27:28
Baal-hanan the Gederite was responsible for the olive-trees and the sycamore-trees in the lowlands; and Joash for the stores of oil;
(BBE DBY)

2 Chronicles 1:15
And the king made silver and gold to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycomore-trees that are in the lowland, for abundance.
(See JPS BBE)

2 Chronicles 9:27
And the king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycomore-trees that are in the lowland, for abundance.
(See JPS BBE)

Psalms 78:47
He destroyed their vines with hail, And their sycomore-trees with frost.
(See JPS)

Amos 7:14
Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was a herdsman, and a dresser of sycomore-trees:
(See JPS BBE)

Subtopics

Sycamore-trees

Related Terms

Shechem (61 Occurrences)

Jacob's (34 Occurrences)

Sy'char (1 Occurrence)

Gerizim (4 Occurrences)

Plot (53 Occurrences)

Parcel (10 Occurrences)

Sycamore-trees (6 Occurrences)

Samar'ia (4 Occurrences)

Well (2882 Occurrences)

Piece (93 Occurrences)

Bit (46 Occurrences)

Named (428 Occurrences)

Field (390 Occurrences)

Jordan (188 Occurrences)

Ground (538 Occurrences)

Town (861 Occurrences)

Samaria (123 Occurrences)

Jacob (361 Occurrences)

Joseph (248 Occurrences)

Sycamore-tree
Top of Page
Top of Page