καλλιέλαιος
kalliélaios
G2565 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A cultivated olive tree, as opposed to a wild or uncultivated olive; refers specifically to an olive that is domesticated, tended, or improved for fruit-bearing. In figurative contexts, designates an entity that is cultivated or privileged in contrast to one that is wild or natural.
Semantic Range
cultivated olive tree, domesticated olive; metaphorically: cultivated/privileged group or entity as opposed to wild or uncultivated; by extension: improved or favored member distinguished from the natural or wild type
Root / Etymology
Compound of καλλίων (“better, more beautiful”) and ἐλαία (“olive tree, olive”); literally 'better olive' or 'fine olive.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
First attested in Hellenistic Greek; rare outside biblical and post-biblical literature. In Romans 11:24, καλλιέλαιος is contrasted with ἀγριέλαιος (“wild olive tree”), forming an intentional opposition between cultivated/privileged and wild/natural. The imagery is based on horticultural practices where branches from different types of olive trees would be grafted. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the term uses agricultural language to serve metaphorical ends—especially in discussions of belonging and privilege within the people of God. The core meaning is agricultural and not limited to the literary image; the domesticated olive would have been understood as more fruitful, valuable, and managed by human care. English translations often render it 'cultivated olive tree' or 'good olive tree,' but the nuance of domestication and attentive cultivation can be obscured by the simple word 'good.' Opposed to ἀγριέλαιος (“wild olive tree”), which signifies an untamed, less productive olive.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the base of καλλίον and ἐλαία; a cultivated olive tree, i.e. a domesticated or improved one:--good olive tree.
Root Family
καλλι-ελαι- (kalliélaios) — beautiful, better, cultivated, olive
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2565-01 |
καλλιέλαιον | kallielaion | N ACC F SG |
cultivated olive tree | a cultivated olive tree | a cultivated olive tree | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2565-01 |
Romans 11:24 | καλλιέλαιον | kallielaion | N ACC F SG |
cultivated olive tree | a cultivated olive tree | a cultivated olive tree |