Fig

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, FIG' TREE. The fig tree (Ficus carica) has been cultivated in Palestine from remote times, Deut 8:8; Isa 34:4, and is also found in a wild state. It does not grow to a great height, but throws out a profusion of very spreading branches, and the trunk is often 3 feet in diameter. Five-lobed leaves luxuriantly clothe these limbs, and often convert this tree into a beautiful natural arbor. 1 Kgs 4:25; 2 Kgs 18:31; Isa 36:16; Mic 4:4; Zech 3:10; John 1:48. The fruit is pear-shaped, and the small green figs appear before the leaves. When these figs have attained some size, their interior will be found filled with minute white flowers. This curious provision leads to the common impression that this tree never blossoms. When the leaves have appeared, if there be no fruit among them, the fig tree will be barren for the present season. Matt 21:19. Figs are much used as food in all Eastern lands. Two kinds of this fruit are mentioned in the Bible. 1. The early fig, or boccore, of which a few ripen and are gathered in June, Isa 28:4; Hos 9:10; Mic 7:1, while the most of this early fruit falls off before it is perfected. Rev 6:13. 2. The main crop, or kermouse, ordinarily does Figs and Fig-Leaves. not ripen till August. These are the "green figs" of Song 2:13. "Bethphage" means "house of green figs." A long dark-colored kermouse sometimes hangs upon the trees all winter. These various kinds of figs are eaten as they come from the tree, and are also dried in masses or cakes. 1 Sam 25:18. They seem to have been an ordinary article of food, and to have possessed medicinal properties. 2 Kgs 20:7; 1 Chr 12:40. The putting forth of the fig tree was one of the earliest indications of summer. Song 2:13; Matt 24:32; Luke 21:29; and a failure of its fruit was a great calamity. Jer 5:17; Ezr 8:13; Joel 1:7, Joel 1:12; Hab 3:17-18. The cursing of the fig tree by our Saviour, Mark 11:13, Jer 11:21, has occasioned great perplexity. This incident occurred about the beginning of April, when, as the evangelist states, the time for figs had not come. Why, then, should Christ seek figs upon the tree and, as it were, blame its barrenness? The best reply seems to be, Because the tree was in leaf; and when the tree was in this state, abnormal though it were, fruit might be expected. Dr. Thomson, as the result of his observation, considers it not at all impossible that the early

variety of this tree might have ripe fruit in the warm, sheltered ravines of Olivet at Easter: "If there was no fruit on this leafy tree, it might justly be condemned as barren; and hence the propriety of the lesson it was made to teach-that those who put forth in profusion only the leaves of empty profession are nigh unto cursing."

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A small fruit tree (Ficus Carica) with large leaves, known from the remotest antiquity. It was probably native from Syria westward to the Canary Islands.

2. The fruit of a fig tree, which is of round or oblong shape, and of various colors.

3. A small piece of tobacco. [U.S.]

4. The value of a fig, practically nothing; a fico; -- used in scorn or contempt. "A fig for Peter." Shak. Cochineal fig. See Conchineal fig. -- Fig dust, a preparation of fine oatmeal for feeding caged birds. -- Fig faun, one of a class of rural deities or monsters supposed to live on figs. "Therefore shall dragons dwell there with the fig fauns." Jer. i. 39. (Douay version). -- Fig gnat (Zoöl.), a small fly said to be injurious to figs. -- Fig leaf, the leaf tree; hence, in allusion to the first clothing of Adam and Eve (Genesis iii.7), a covering for a thing that ought to be concealed; esp., an inadequate covering; a symbol for affected modesty. -- Fig marigold (Bot.), the name of several plants of the genus Mesembryanthemum, some of which are prized for the brilliancy and beauty of their flowers. -- Fig tree (Bot.), any tree of the genus Ficus, but especially F. Carica which produces the fig of commerce.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

Figure; dress; array. [Colloq.] Were they all in full fig, the females with feathers on their heads, the males with chapeaux bras Prof. Wilson.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To insult with a fico, or contemptuous motion. See Fico. [Obs.] When Pistol lies, do this, and fig me like The bragging Spaniard. Shak.

2. To put into the head of, as something useless o [Obs.] L'Estrange.