Lexical Summary kallielaios: Olive tree Original Word: καλλιέλαιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a cultivated olive treeFrom the base of kallion and elaia; a cultivated olive tree, i.e. A domesticated or improved one -- good olive tree. see GREEK kallion see GREEK elaia HELPS Word-studies 2565 kalliélaios (from kallos, "desirable" and 1636 /elaía, "an olive tree") – a cultivated olive-tree – especially a healthy, properly cultivated olive tree. 2565 /kalliélaios ("a cultivated olive tree") is only used in Ro 11:24 where it refers to believing Israel (OT believers). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the comp. of kalos and elaia Definition a cultivated olive (tree) NASB Translation cultivated olive tree (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2565: καλλιέλαιοςκαλλιέλαιος, καλλιελαιου, ἡ (from κάλλος and ἐλαία), the garden olive (A. V. good olive tree) (opposed to ἀγριέλαιος the wild olive): Romans 11:24. Aristotle, de plant. 1, 6, p. 820{b}, 40. Topical Lexicon Form and Immediate Context The single New Testament occurrence of the term appears in Romans 11:24, describing a “cultivated olive tree” (Berean Standard Bible). The apostle Paul uses the expression within an extended metaphor that contrasts the cultivated olive with the wild olive to illustrate the place of Israel and Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan. Background in Ancient Horticulture In the Mediterranean world, two broad categories of olive trees were recognized: the hardy, uncultivated variety that grew spontaneously, and the carefully tended, fruit-bearing cultivated tree prized for oil production. Ancient grafting practices sometimes placed wild branches into cultivated stock to invigorate a declining tree, but the reverse—cultivated branches grafted into a wild tree—was considered “contrary to nature” (Romans 11:24). Paul leverages that horticultural surprise to underscore the grace extended to Gentiles and to heighten anticipation of Israel’s future restoration. Paul’s Argument in Romans 9–11 1. God’s sovereign mercy (Romans 9) Within this flow, the cultivated olive tree represents the historic covenant privileges entrusted to Israel—“the adoption, the divine glory, the covenants, the giving of the Law, the temple service, and the promises” (Romans 9:4). Wild olive branches symbolize Gentile believers now sharing in that rich root. The cultivated stock therefore serves as a living metaphor for continuity in God’s redemptive purposes. Prophetic and Covenantal Overtones Paul’s imagery echoes Old Testament passages that liken Israel to a green olive tree: These prophetic portraits anticipate both judgment and renewal. By invoking the cultivated olive, Paul affirms that God has not abandoned His covenant people; rather, the current hardening is partial and temporary, pointing toward a future ingathering “when the fullness of the Gentiles has come in” (Romans 11:25). Spiritual and Pastoral Implications 1. Humility for grafted Gentiles: “Do not be arrogant, but be afraid” (Romans 11:20). Related Olive Imagery in Scripture • Psalm 52:8 – The righteous as a green olive in God’s house. Ministry Applications • Evangelism: The metaphor motivates outreach to Israel, anticipating their future acceptance. Devotional Reflection Contemplate the gardener’s patience: every pruning, grafting, and nourishing act testifies to a steadfast commitment to fruitfulness. The cultivated olive tree invites believers to rest in the root, bear the fruit of the Spirit, and anticipate the day when “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26). Summary Strong’s Greek 2565, though occurring only once, anchors one of Paul’s most far-reaching metaphors. The cultivated olive tree encapsulates the faithfulness of God to His covenants, the inclusion of the nations, and the certainty of Israel’s ultimate restoration—all converging in a single, living symbol that calls the church to humility, hope, and worship. Forms and Transliterations καλλιελαιον καλλιέλαιον kallielaion kalliélaionLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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