Olive, Olive Tree

OLIVE, OLIVE TREE (זַ֫יִת, H2339; ἐλαία, G1777). Normally, olive berry or olive tree is zayit and elaia but the good olive trees (Rom 11:24, KJV) are kalliélaios and the bad or wild olive trees (Rom 11:17, 24) are agriélaios. The first mention is in Genesis 8:11, where the bird brings back to Noah, in her mouth, an olive leaf, and the last mention is in Revelation 11:4, “These are the two olive trees.” The olive was one of the “blessings” of the Promised Land. The trees there grow on the mountain side where there is not much soil. Heavy crops are produced, and the oil from the fruits is used in cooking. The ripe fruits are, of course, eaten as a relish before or with a meal, while pickles often are made. It was olive oil that was used to anoint kings (2 Kings 9:6) and it was prob. the fuel used for lamps (Num 4:16). The timber of the trees is finely grained, and has a rich amber color. This may be the reason why this pleasant colored wood was chosen to make the doors and posts of t