Oleaster
NatureWhat is the meaning of Oleaster in the Bible?
In the margin of the Revised Version of Isaiah 41:19, the term oleaster is provided as an alternative translation for the Hebrew word elah, which is typically rendered as terebinth or oak in other biblical translations.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing oleaster as a possible identification for elah aids readers in visualizing the specific flora of the ancient Near East, thereby deepening the appreciation of the prophetic imagery regarding rapid vegetation growth and the miraculous nature of divine restoration in arid landscapes.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Oleaster were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Oleaster in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Oleaster clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Isaiah 41:19
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Oleaster." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/oleaster/