Fig

Fig - (Easton's Bible Dictionary)

First mentioned in Gen. 3:7. The fig-tree is mentioned (Deut. 8:8) as one of the valuable products of Palestine. It was a sign of peace and prosperity (1 Kings 4:25; Micah 4:4; Zech. 3:10). Figs were used medicinally (2 Kings 20:7), and pressed together and formed into "cakes" as articles of diet (1 Sam. 30:12; Jer. 24:2).

Our Lord's cursing the fig-tree near Bethany (Mark 11:13) has occasioned much perplexity from the circumstance, as mentioned by the evangelist, that "the time of figs was not yet." The explanation of the words, however, lies in the simple fact that the fruit of the fig-tree appears before the leaves, and hence that if the tree produced leaves it ought also to have had fruit. It ought to have had fruit if it had been true to its "pretensions," in showing its leaves at this particular season. "This tree, so to speak, vaunted itself to be in advance of all the other trees, challenged the passer-by that he should come and refresh himself with its fruit. Yet when the Lord accepted its challenge and drew near, it proved to be but as the others, without fruit as they; for indeed, as the evangelist observes, the time of figs had not yet arrived. Its fault, if one may use the word, lay in its pretensions, in its making a show to run before the rest when it did not so indeed" (Trench, Miracles).

The fig-tree of Palestine (Ficus carica) produces two and sometimes three crops of figs in a year, (1) the bikkurah, or "early-ripe fig" (Micah 7:1; Isa. 28:4; Hos. 9:10, R.V.), which is ripe about the end of June, dropping off as soon as it is ripe (Nah. 3:12); (2) the kermus, or "summer fig," then begins to be formed, and is ripe about August; and (3) the pag (plural "green figs," Cant. 2:13; Gr. olynthos, Rev. 6:13, "the untimely fig"), or "winter fig," which ripens in sheltered spots in spring.

Fig - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

FIG, n. [L. ficus; Heb.]

1. The fruit of the fig tree, which is of a round or oblong shape, and a dark purplish color, with a pulp of a sweet taste. But the varieties are numerous; some being blue, others red, and others of a dark brown color.

2. The fig tree.

FIG, v.t.

1. To insult with ficoes or contemptuous motions of the fingers. [Little used.]

2. To put something useless into one's head. [Not used.]

FIG'-APPLE, n. A species of apple.

FIG'-GNAT, n. An insect of the fly kind.

FIG'-LEAF, n. The leaf of a fig tree; also, a thin covering in allusion to the first covering of Adam and Eve.

Definition

A fig is a small, soft, sweet fruit that grows on trees. When ripe, this fruit can be a variety of colors, including brown, yellow, or purple.

• Fig trees can grow 6 meters in height and their large leaves provide pleasant shade. The fruit is about 3-5 centimeters long.
• Adam and Eve used the leaves from fig trees to make clothing for themselves after they had sinned.
• Figs can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried. People also chop them into small pieces and press them into cakes to eat later.
• In Bible times, figs were important as a source of food and income.
• The presence of fruitful fig trees is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a sign of prosperity.
• Several times Jesus used fig trees as an illustration to teach his disciples spiritual truths.

Bible References

• Habakkuk 3:17
• James 3:12
• Luke 13:7
• Mark 11:14
• Matthew 7:17
• Matthew 21:18

Word Data

• Strong’s: H1061, H1690, H6291, H8384, G36530, G48080, G48100