Sycomore, Tree
NatureWhat is the meaning of Sycomore, Tree in the Bible?
The sycomore-fig is a tree that cannot flourish in cooler mountain heights and was once abundant in Palestine, particularly in Lower Egypt. It produces small, rounded figs that grow on leafless twigs and has been valued for its timber.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the sycomore-fig clarifies biblical references to social stratification, as its timber was used for common construction and its fruit was accessible to the poor, while its height provided a vantage point for public figures like Zacchaeus.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Sycomore, Tree were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Sycomore, Tree in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sycomore, Tree clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Sycomore, Tree." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/sycomore-tree/