[Greek] συκοφαντέω (sykophanteō), [Latin] caluminiari: to make false charges, to accuse fraudulently, to exhort; Lk. 3:14, Lk.19:8
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to denounce, to accuse, to bring false charges against, to cheat, to inform, to blackmail, and to quibble. Aristophanes’ Birds states “I won’t belie my breeding, from generation to generation, we have lived by informing.” Aristophanes’ Archanians 828 states “What! I may not denounce our enemies?” Plato’s Republic 341b states ” Now bring on against this your cavails and your shyster’s tricks if you are able.”
Roman culture: The Greek sykon means fig. A sycophant originally meant “fig revealer.” Figs were so important that the Greeks banned their export to other nations. This term may have derived from the laws forbidding the exportation of figs. A sycophant may have been a person who informs the authorities about those who engage in such forbidden fig trading practices or who engage in stealing a landowner’s figs. A sycophant may have also made false accusations against other fig traders. Sycophants were also seen as overly litigious officials who make false accusations and trumped up charges. These persons, engaging in frivolous lawsuits, had developed the reputation as a swindler, nuisance and parasite. Several Greek and Roman plays portrayed sycophants as sleazy lawyers.
Old Testament: This term means to press upon, to oppress, to defraud, to violate, and to cheat. You shall not steal. You shall not commit robbery (Lev.19:11). At the sound of those who taunt and revile at the sight of the enemy and avenger (Psa.44:17). You shall not exploit your neighbor (Lev.19:13). He let no one oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings (1Chr.16:21). I have fulfilled your righteous judgment; do not abandon me to my oppressors (Psa.119:121).
Scripture:
“Soldiers also asked Him, ‘And what is it that we should do?’ He told them, ‘Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone and be satisfied with your wages.’” Lk.3:14
Soldiers also had a poor reputation for being corrupt.
“Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.’”Lk.19:8
It is also interesting to note that Zacchaeus climbed up a sycamore tree. Zacchaeus held the traditional reputation as a sycophant.
Conclusion:
Sycophant, sycamore, calumny
From this comes the words sycophant and sycamore. For the most part, sycophant is mostly known as a flatterer, “yes-man”, toady, “suck-up”, “boot-licker”. We now see numerous examples of sycophants in the media and political organizations.