ἐλαία

an olive tree

Definition

ἐλαία primarily means 'olive tree,' referring to the cultivated tree that produces olives and oil (Romans 11:17, 24). It can also refer to an 'olive' itself, the fruit of the tree, as seen in James 3:12. A significant usage is the plural form 'Mount of Olives' (τὸ ὄρος τῶν ἐλαιῶν), a ridge east of Jerusalem that was a frequent location for Jesus' teaching and prayer (Matthew 21:1, Matthew 24:3, Luke 19:29).

Biblical Usage

The word is used 15 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels to denote the 'Mount of Olives' as a geographical location key to Jesus' final week (Matthew 26:30, Mark 13:3). In the epistles, Paul uses it metaphorically for cultivated and wild olive trees in his discourse on Israel and the Gentiles (Romans 11:17-24). James uses it literally for the fruit (James 3:12).

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek noun ἐλαία, meaning 'olive tree' or 'olive.' It is the source of the English word 'olive.' The related word ἔλαιον (G1637) means 'olive oil.'

Semantic Range

The olive tree holds rich theological symbolism. In Romans 11, Paul uses the metaphor of a cultivated olive tree (representing God's covenant people) and grafted wild branches (Gentile believers) to explain God's plan for Israel and the church. The Mount of Olives is the site of key eschatological teaching (Matthew 24) and Jesus' ascension (Acts 1:9-12), linking it to prophecy and Christ's return.

The olive tree was a fundamental part of ancient Mediterranean life, providing food, light (oil for lamps), fuel, and anointing oil. It symbolized peace, prosperity, and divine blessing. An olive branch signaled the end of the flood (Genesis 8:11). Cultivated trees were highly valued, making Paul's grafting analogy in Romans 11 culturally resonant.

ἔλαιον (elaion, G1637) — refers specifically to 'olive oil,' the product of the ἐλαία.

Word Details

Scripture References