Sycamore
NatureWhat is the meaning of Sycamore in the Bible?
Sycamore designates two distinct botanical species: the sycamore fig (Ficus sycomorus), indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa, and the sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), native to Europe and Western Asia.
SIGNIFICANCE
Distinguishing between these species clarifies the botanical context of biblical accounts, such as the tree Zacchaeus climbed and the material used for ancient construction, by aligning textual descriptions with the specific shade, fruit, and growth habits of the regionally relevant tree.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Sycamore were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Sycamore in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sycamore clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Sycamore." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/sycamore/