📖 Biblical Definition
The Mount of Olives is the ridge running roughly north-south on the eastern side of Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley, rising about 2,700 feet. Several pivotal events of Scripture occurred there. David fled over it weeping at the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15:30). Jesus taught the Olivet Discourse on its slopes (Matthew 24-25), agonized in Gethsemane at its foot (Matthew 26:36-46), and bodily ascended from it after the resurrection (Acts 1:9-12). The angels promised, "This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go" (Acts 1:11). Zechariah prophesies: "his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives" (Zechariah 14:4) at His return.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Mount of Olives — the ridge east of Jerusalem; place of teaching, agony, and ascension.
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The Mount of Olives, named for its olive groves, lies just east of the Temple Mount. It is the only mountain mentioned in the Bible from which the Messiah departs and to which He returns — the Ascension and the Second Coming both touch its slopes.
📖 Key Scripture
Zechariah 14:4 — "His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives."
Matthew 24:3 — "As he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately."
Luke 22:39 — "He came out, and went... to the mount of Olives."
Acts 1:12 — "They returned unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Treated as a scenic backdrop rather than the eschatological pivot point.
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The Mount of Olives is no ordinary hill. Every act of Christ's passion and return is staged there: triumphal entry began across it, Olivet Discourse delivered upon it, agony in Gethsemane at its base, ascension from its summit, and the prophesied descent at its peak.
To stand on Olives is to stand on the hinge of the ages. Modern teaching often skips it for the cross alone — but the cross is reached by way of Olivet, and the King returns to Olivet before He enters Jerusalem.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew zayit — olive; har — mountain.
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Usage
"He left from Olivet; He returns to Olivet — the mountain bookends the age."
"Gethsemane sits at its base; the Ascension at its summit; the Return on its ridge."
"Stand on Olives and you stand on the hinge of history."