Dictionaries :: Sycamore

Sycamore:

more properly sycomore (Heb. shikmoth and shikmim, Gr. sycomoros), a tree which in its general character resembles the fig-tree, while its leaves resemble those of the mulberry; hence it is called the fig-mulberry (Ficus sycomorus). At Jericho, Zacchaeus climbed a sycomore-tree to see Jesus as he passed by (Luk 19:4). This tree was easily destroyed by frost (Psa 78:47), and therefore it is found mostly in the "vale" (1Ki 10:27; 2Ch 1:15); in both passages the R.V. has properly "lowland", i.e., the "low country," the shephelah, where the climate is mild. Amos (Amo 7:14) refers to its fruit, which is of an inferior character; so also probably Jeremiah (Jer 24:2). It is to be distinguished from our sycamore (the Acer pseudo-platanus), which is a species of maple often called a plane-tree.

Sycamore:

sik'-a-mor.

See SYCOMORE

Sycamore: Definition Of

A tree

Sycamore: Abundant in the Land of Canaan

1Ki 10:27; 2Ch 1:15; 9:27; Isa 9:10

Sycamore: Groves Of

Cared for,

1Ch 27:28.

Sycamore: Destroyed by Frost

Psa 78:47

Sycamore: Care Of

Amo 7:14 [R.V.]

Sycamore: Zacchaeus Climbs into A

Luk 19:4

Sycamore:

occurs in Luk 19:4. This tree is of the fig species, with leaves like the mulberry and fruit like the fig. It is somewhat less in height than the sycamine and spreads to cover an area from 60 to 80 feet in diameter. It is often planted by the roadside, and was suitable for the purpose of Zacchaeus. Seated on the lowest branch he was easily within speaking distance of Christ.

Sycamore:

(Heb. shikmah.) Although it may be admitted that the sycamine is properly, and in Luke 17:6 the mulberry, and the sycamore the mulberry, or sycamore‐fig (Ficus sycomorus) yet the latter is the tree generally referred to in the Old Testament and called by the Septuagint sycamine, as 1 Kings 10:27; 1 Chronicles 27:28; Psalm 78:47; Amos 7:14. The Sycamore or fig‐mulberry, is in Egypt and Palestine a tree of great importance and very extensive use. It attains the size of a walnut tree has wide‐spreading branches and affords a delightful shade. On this account it is frequently planted by the waysides. Its leaves are heart‐shaped, downy on the under side, and fragrant. The fruit grows directly from the trunk itself on little sprigs, and in clusters like the grape. To make it eatable, each fruit, three or four days before gathering, must, it is said, be punctured with a sharp instrument or the finger‐nail. This was the original employment of the prophet Amos, as he says (Amos 7:14). So great was the value of these trees that David appointed for them in his kingdom a special overseer, as he did for the olives (1 Chronicles 27:28) and it is mentioned as one of the heaviest of Egypt's calamities that her sycamore were destroyed by hailstones.