זַיִת
Zayit
Olive, olive tree
Zayit (זַיִת) is a Hebrew word meaning “olive, olive tree,” pronounced “ZA-yit.” Derived from the root ז-י-ת, zayit appears 38 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H2132).
| Hebrew | זַיִת |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Zayit |
| Pronunciation | ZA-yit |
| Meaning | Olive, olive tree |
| Root Letters | ז-י-ת |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 38× |
| Key Verse | Romans 11:17 |
| Strong's Number | H2132 |
| Category | Agriculture & Provision |
The olive tree is arguably the most important tree in the entire Bible, and the Hebrew word zayit (זַיִת) touches virtually every dimension of biblical life. Olive oil lit the menorah in the Tabernacle (Exodus 27:20). Olive oil anointed kings and priests (1 Samuel 16:13). The dove brought Noah an olive branch as a sign of peace (Genesis 8:11). Jesus prayed His most agonizing prayer on the Mount of Olives — Har HaZeitim — the mountain named for this tree (Matthew 26:36). And Paul uses the olive tree as his primary metaphor for God's covenant people in Romans 11, with Israel as the cultivated olive and Gentile believers as wild olive shoots grafted in. The zayit produces oil that heals, light that illuminates, food that nourishes, and wood that endures. There is no plant in Scripture that carries more spiritual weight. Understanding zayit means understanding how God provides, heals, anoints, and illuminates — all through one remarkable tree.
Key Bible Verse: Romans 11:17
“But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree.”
What Is the Root of Zayit in Hebrew?
Zayit is a primary noun in Hebrew, one of the oldest agricultural terms in the Semitic language family. Archaeological evidence shows olive cultivation in the land of Israel dating back over 6,000 years, making it one of the earliest domesticated trees.
What Does Zayit Mean in the Bible?
Zayit appears 38 times in the Hebrew Bible. It is one of the seven species (Deuteronomy 8:8), provides oil for the menorah (Exodus 27:20), anointing (1 Samuel 16:13), and healing (Isaiah 1:6). The Mount of Olives is one of Scripture's most significant locations.
How Is Zayit Used in Modern Hebrew?
Ancient olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane may be over 2,000 years old — possibly alive when Jesus prayed there. 'Gethsemane' means 'oil press' in Hebrew, connecting the garden to the olive's suffering and yielding.
How to Use Zayit in Prayer & Worship
Ask God to make you like a 'flourishing olive tree in the house of God' (Psalm 52:8). If you are a Gentile believer, thank God for being grafted into the rich root of His olive tree. Bear the fruit of the Spirit that comes from being connected to God's ancient covenant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zayit
How do you say “Olive” in Hebrew?
“Olive” in Hebrew is Zayit (זַיִת), pronounced “ZA-yit.” Zayit is a primary noun in Hebrew, one of the oldest agricultural terms in the Semitic language family. Archaeological evidence shows olive cultivation in the land of Israel dating back over 6,000 years, making it one of the earliest domesticated trees.
What does Zayit mean in the Bible?
Zayit (זַיִת) means “Olive, olive tree” in Biblical Hebrew. Zayit appears 38 times in the Hebrew Bible. It is one of the seven species (Deuteronomy 8:8), provides oil for the menorah (Exodus 27:20), anointing (1 Samuel 16:13), and healing (Isaiah 1:6). The Mount of Olives is one of Scripture's most significant locations.
How do you pronounce Zayit?
Zayit is pronounced “ZA-yit.” The word comes from the Hebrew root ז-י-ת.
Why is the olive tree so important in the Bible?
The olive touches every area of biblical life: its oil lit the Temple menorah, anointed kings and priests, healed wounds, and preserved food. The olive branch symbolizes peace (Genesis 8:11). The Mount of Olives is where Jesus prayed, was arrested, ascended, and will return (Zechariah 14:4). No other plant is more biblically significant.
What does Paul's olive tree metaphor mean in Romans 11?
Paul pictures Israel as a cultivated olive tree with Gentile believers grafted in as wild olive branches (Romans 11:17-24). This metaphor teaches that Gentile Christians share in Israel's spiritual heritage — not replace it. The 'nourishing root' sustains all branches. Paul warns Gentiles against arrogance: they stand by faith, not by right.
What is the significance of the Mount of Olives?
Har HaZeitim (Mount of Olives) is one of the Bible's most prophetically significant locations. David fled there weeping during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15:30). Jesus taught, prayed, and ascended from it. Zechariah 14:4 prophesies that the Messiah's feet will stand on the Mount of Olives at His return. It's where beginning and end meet.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H2132: Zayit
- Bible Gateway — Romans 11:17 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for ז-י-ת
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