συκῆ (sukē)
sukē
fig tree
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word sukē refers simply to the fig tree, a staple crop in the ancient Near East known for its sweet fruit and broad leaves. In the New Testament, it appears fifteen times, primarily within the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, where it serves as a common element of daily life and agricultural imagery.
Its most famous appearance occurs in the accounts of Jesus cursing the barren fig tree (Matthew 21:19; Mark 11:13-20). This event uses the tree’s failure to produce fruit despite having leaves as a vivid symbol of religious appearance without spiritual substance. Later, Jesus points to the budding fig tree as a natural sign that summer is near, using it to illustrate how believers should recognize the signs of his return (Matthew 24:32; Luke 21:29).
The term also carries theological weight in John’s Gospel, where Nathanael is called a true Israelite "in whom there is no deceit" while he sits under the fig tree (John 1:48-51). This image evokes a place of peace and study, perhaps hinting at Jesus’ own presence as the one through whom heaven opens. The word remains a concrete reminder of fruitfulness, judgment, and divine revelation in first-century Palestine.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The fig tree appears in Scripture as more than just a plant; it is a mirror for the heart. In the Gospels, Jesus uses its leaves without fruit to show that outward appearance means little if inner life is missing. This image invites us to examine our own lives, asking God to help our actions match our faith.
At other times, the tree signals hope and timing. When branches turn tender and leaves appear, summer is near. Similarly, the word points to spiritual readiness. We are encouraged to stay alert, watching for signs of God’s work in our world and in our own hearts, trusting that He brings new life at the right time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fig tree9×
- a fig tree3×
- fig tree?1×
- fig tree.1×
- fig tree,1×
- A fig tree1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συκῆν6×
- συκῆς3×
- συκῆ3×
- συκῆς,1×
- συκῆ;¶1×
- συκῇ1×
- συκῆ.1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 21:19
Seeing a fig tree by the road, he came to it and found nothing on it but leaves. He said to it, “Let there be no fruit from you forever!” Immediately the fig tree withered away.
This verse captures the moment Jesus curses the barren tree, using its lack of fruit to symbolize empty religious observance.
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Matthew 24:32
“Now from the fig tree learn this parable: When its branch has now become tender and produces its leaves, you know that the summer is near.
Here Jesus points to the budding fig tree as a natural sign that summer is near, teaching believers to recognize the signs of His return.
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John 1:48
Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
Jesus mentions seeing Nathanael under the fig tree, evoking a place of peace and personal revelation where truth is recognized.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the fig tree symbolize in the New Testament?
Why did Jesus curse the fig tree?
How is the fig tree used as a sign in the Gospels?
Every Occurrence (15 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 4 verses
Seeing a fig tree by the road, he came to it and found nothing on it but leaves. He said to it, “Let there be no fruit…
Matthew 21:20When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree immediately wither away?”
Matthew 21:21Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you will not only do what was done…
Matthew 24:32“Now from the fig tree learn this parable: When its branch has now become tender and produces its leaves, you know that…