Original Word: שִׁקְמָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: shiqmah
Pronunciation: shik-MAH
Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-kawm')
Definition: Sycamore tree
Meaning: a sycamore

sycamore fruit, tree

Or (feminine) shiqmah {shik-maw'}; of uncertain derivation; a sycamore (usually the tree) -- sycamore (fruit, tree).

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
sycamore tree
NASB Translation
sycamore (1), sycamore trees (4), sycamores (2).

[שִׁקְמָה] noun feminine sycomore tree (Late Hebrew id., Aramaic שִׁיקְמָא ,, Löw^No.332; hence Greek συκάηινος mulberry Lewy ^Fremdw.23); — plural absolute שִׁקְמִים Amos 7:14 +; suffix שִׁקְמוֺתָם Psalm 78:47; — sycomore, ficus sycomorus Linn (Tristr^NHB397ff. Post^{Flora of Syria 730}; Hast. DB under the word) a common tree Isaiah 9:9, growing in the Shephela 1 Kings 10:27=2Chronicles 1:15=2 Chronicles 9:27,1 Chronicles 27:28; as property Psalm 78:47 ("" גֶּפֶן); בּוֺלֵס שִׁקְמִים Amos 7:14 a tender of sycomores (see [בַָלס]).

Word Origin: Derived from an unused root meaning to be lofty.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The corresponding Greek entry related to the sycamore tree is Strong's G4807, συκομορέα (sykomorea), which also refers to the sycamore-fig tree. This term appears in the New Testament, notably in the account of Zacchaeus climbing a sycamore tree to see Jesus (Luke 19:4), illustrating the tree's continued presence and importance in the biblical narrative.

Usage: The term שִׁקְמָה is used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to the sycamore tree, a significant plant in ancient Israel due to its economic and agricultural value. It appears in various contexts, often symbolizing prosperity and abundance.

Context: The sycamore tree, שִׁקְמָה (shiqmah), is a prominent feature in the landscape of ancient Israel and is frequently mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures. This tree is known for its durability and the quality of its wood, which was used in construction and craftsmanship. The sycamore-fig produces a fruit that, while not as esteemed as the common fig, was a staple food source for the poorer population.

In the Bible, the sycamore is often associated with abundance and prosperity. For instance, in 1 Kings 10:27, it is noted that King Solomon made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars as plentiful as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills. This highlights the sycamore's prevalence and its role in the economy of ancient Israel.

The prophet Amos famously refers to himself as a "dresser of sycamore-fig trees" (Amos 7:14), indicating his humble origins and connection to the land. The sycamore tree also appears in the context of judgment and restoration, as seen in Isaiah 9:10, where the people declare, "The sycamores have been cut down, but we will replace them with cedars."

The sycamore's significance extends beyond its economic value; it also holds symbolic meaning in biblical literature, representing resilience and the enduring nature of God's provision.

וְ֝שִׁקְמוֹתָ֗ם וְהַשִּׁקְמִים֙ והשקמים ושקמותם כַּשִּׁקְמִ֥ים כשקמים שִׁקְמִ֣ים שִׁקְמִֽים׃ שקמים שקמים׃ kaš·šiq·mîm kashshikMim kaššiqmîm shikMim šiq·mîm šiqmîm vehashshikMim veshikmoTam wə·haš·šiq·mîm wə·šiq·mō·w·ṯām wəhaššiqmîm wəšiqmōwṯāmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts