Original Word: συκοφαντέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: sukophanteó
Pronunciation: soo-kof-an-teh'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (soo-kof-an-teh'-o)
KJV: accuse falsely, take by false accusation
NASB: accuse falsely, defrauded
Word Origin: [from a compound of G4810 (σῦκον - figs) and a derivative of G5316 (φαίνω - appeared)]

1. to be a fig-informer (reporter of the law forbidding the exportation of figs from Greece), "sycophant"
2. (genitive and by extension) to defraud (exact unlawfully, extort)

accuse falsely, take by false accusation.

From a compound of sukon and a derivative of phaino; to be a fig-informer (reporter of the law forbidding the exportation of figs from Greece), "sycophant", i.e. (genitive and by extension) to defraud (exact unlawfully, extort) -- accuse falsely, take by false accusation.

see GREEK sukon

see GREEK phaino

4811 sykophantéō (from 4810 /sýkon, "a fig" and 5316 /phaínō, "make known") – properly, a "fig-informer" using "inside information" to defraud (falsely accuse).

Word Origin
from sukon and phainó
Definition
to accuse falsely
NASB Translation
accuse...falsely (1), defrauded (1).

STRONGS NT 4811: συκοφαντέω

συκοφαντέω, συκοφάντω; 1 aorist ἐσυκοφάντησα; (from συκοφάντης, and this from σῦκον 'fig', and φαίνω 'to show'. At Athens those were called συκοφανται whose business it was to inform against anyone whom they might detect exporting figs out of Attica; and as sometimes they seem to have extorted money from those loath to he exposed, the name συκοφάντης from the time of Aristophanes down was a general term of opprobrium to designate a malignant informer, a calumniator; a malignant and base accuser from love of gain (but cf. Liddell and Scott, under the word); hence, the verb συκοφάντω signifies)

1. to accuse wrongfully, to calumniate, to attack by malicious devices (Aristophanes, Xenophon, Plato, others).

2. to exact money wrongfully; to extort from, defraud: Luke 3:14 (here R. V. margin accuse wrongfully); with a genitive of the person and accusative of the thing, Luke 19:8 (τριάκοντα μνᾶς παρά τίνος Lysias, p. 177, 32. The Sept. for עָשַׁק, to oppress, defraud, Job 35:9; Ecclesiastes 4:1; Psalm 118:122 (); πένητα, Proverbs 14:31; Proverbs 22:16; πτωχούς, Proverbs 28:3).

Definition and Background

Sykophanteo denotes the act of gaining money or advantage through false accusation, intimidation, or under-handed complaint. Classical writers used the word of professional informers who leveraged the court system for profit; by New Testament times it was applied broadly to dishonest officials and anyone who enriched himself by slandering or threatening others.

Occurrences in the New Testament

1. Luke 3:14—John the Baptist confronts soldiers who have the power of the sword as well as the purse: “Do not take money by force or false accusation, and be content with your wages”. Repentance demanded relinquishing every form of oppressive gain.
2. Luke 19:8—Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, demonstrates genuine conversion: “If I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold”. His pledge echoes Mosaic restitution laws (Exodus 22:1; Numbers 5:6-7) and proves that saving faith bears tangible fruit.

Old Testament Foundations and Septuagint Usage

While the verb itself is not found in the canonical Hebrew text, the Septuagint employs the cognate noun συκοφάντης (sykophantes) in Psalms 118(119):121 and Proverbs 14:31 to condemn oppression of the poor. The concept stands squarely against the eighth and ninth commandments (Exodus 20:15-16) and the prophetic denunciations of social injustice (Micah 2:1-2; Amos 4:1).

Historical Context in Second Temple Judea

Roman occupation left local tax-collection and policing largely in the hands of Jews who leased the right to collect taxes. Abuse was rampant; soldiers and tax agents could threaten trumped-up charges to squeeze extra money. Sykophanteo therefore carried the stench of systemic corruption familiar to every listener of John the Baptist and every onlooker in Jericho when Jesus met Zacchaeus.

Theological Significance

1. Fruit of Repentance: Both Luke passages tie the word to repentance. John forbids the practice; Zacchaeus forsakes it. Luke thereby sets a narrative arc: the call (Luke 3) meets its fulfillment (Luke 19).
2. Integrity and Salvation: Jesus declares, “Today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:9) only after Zacchaeus renounces sycophantic gain. Ethical transformation validates the reality of grace.
3. Justice and the Kingdom: The verb highlights the Kingdom’s reversal of worldly power structures. Those who once exploited must now serve; the oppressed receive redress.

Practical and Pastoral Implications

• Authority—Civil servants, employers, ministers, and parents must guard against using position to coerce or manipulate.
• Speech—Because sycophanteo relies on false accusation, believers are summoned to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) and refuse gossip or slander.
• Restitution—Where wrong has been done, mere apology is insufficient. Scripture upholds concrete, proportional restitution as evidence of true repentance.
• Contentment—John’s counsel “be content with your wages” aligns with Hebrews 13:5 and 1 Timothy 6:6-10; covetousness is often the root of oppressive speech and action.

Word Families and Related Terms

• Sykophantes (n., informer/extortioner) — Psalms 118(119):121 LXX.
• Harpazo (seize by force) — contrasts with voluntary, generous giving (Acts 20:35).
• Pseudomartyria (false witness) — the ninth commandment’s broader category.

For Further Study

Deuteronomy 24:14-15; Proverbs 22:22-23; Isaiah 33:15-16; Matthew 5:23-24; 1 Thessalonians 4:6; James 5:1-6.

εσυκοφαντησα εσυκοφάντησα ἐσυκοφάντησα συκοφαντεί συκοφάντην συκοφάντης συκοφαντήσαι συκοφαντησάτωσάν συκοφαντήσει συκοφαντησητε συκοφαντήσητε συκοφαντία συκοφαντίαν συκοφαντίας συκοφαντιών συκοφαντούμενοι συκοφαντουμένων συκοφαντούντων συκοφαντών esukophantesa esukophantēsa esykophantesa esykophantēsa esykophántesa esykophántēsa sukophantesete sukophantēsēte sykophantesete sykophantēsēte sykophantḗsete sykophantḗsēteInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts