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G1638 · Greek · New Testament
ἐλαιών
Elaiōn
Noun, masculine
Olive Grove / Mount of Olives

Definition

An olive grove or the Mount of Olives — the hill east of Jerusalem covered with olive trees, the site of Jesus' agony in Gethsemane, his ascension, and his predicted return. One of the most theologically charged locations in the New Testament.

Usage & Theological Significance

The Elaiōn — the Mount of Olives — is the mountain of divine encounter and human anguish. It was here that Jesus wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41), here that he taught about the end times (Matthew 24), here that he prayed in agony in Gethsemane (Luke 22:39), and here that he was arrested. It is from this mountain that he ascended (Acts 1:12), and Zechariah prophesied that his feet would stand on it when he returns (Zechariah 14:4). The Mount of Olives bookends Jesus' ministry with supreme theological significance — it is simultaneously the place of his greatest anguish and his ultimate triumph.

Key Bible Verses

Luke 21:37 Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives.
Luke 22:39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him.
Acts 1:12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city.
Zechariah 14:4 On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem.
Matthew 26:30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Related Words

External Resources

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