Fig Tree and Figs
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Isa. 34:4; Deut. 8:8; Matt. 21:19; John 1:48; Rev. 6:13)—a familiar tree and fruit frequently mentioned in Scripture. The fruit is pear-shaped. The tree spreads broad branches and wide leaves; Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves together for coverings (Gen. 3:7). Its ample shade made sitting “under one’s vine and fig tree” an image of peace and prosperity (1 Kings 4:25; Mic. 4:4). One remarkable feature is that the fruit appears without a conspicuous blossom and often before the leaves.
A leafy tree without fruit could therefore be recognized as barren, as in the Lord’s enacted judgment upon the fig tree (Matt. 21:19; Mark 11:13–14). The swelling of its branches and appearance of leaves also signal that summer is near (Matt. 24:32). Destruction of fig trees symbolizes severe divine judgment.