### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **agriélaios**, represented by `{{G65}}`, defines an oleaster, or a **wild olive tree**. It is derived from the words ἄγριος (wild) and ἐλαία (olive tree). This specific term appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses**, both of which are found in the book of Romans.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G65}}` is central to an extended metaphor about grafting. It describes one who, being a **wild olive tree**, is "graffed in" among the natural branches of a cultivated olive tree to partake of its "root and fatness" [[Romans 11:17]]. The term is explicitly used to denote a state of being "wild by nature," from which one is "cut out" and then grafted "contrary to nature" into a "good olive tree" [[Romans 11:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illustrate the agricultural metaphor surrounding the wild olive tree:
* `{{G2565}}` **kalliélaios** (good olive tree): This term stands in direct opposition to the wild olive tree, defined as "a cultivated olive tree, i.e. a domesticated or improved one" [[Romans 11:24]].
* `{{G1461}}` **enkentrízō** (graff in): This word describes the action performed on the wild olive branch, meaning "to prick in, i.e. ingraft." This action is key to its change in status ([[Romans 11:17]], 11:23, 11:24).
* `{{G4491}}` **rhíza** (root): This represents the source of life and nourishment that the grafted branch from the wild olive tree is connected to. It is defined as "a 'root' (literally or figuratively)" [[Romans 11:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G65}}` is found entirely within its metaphorical context in Romans 11.
* **Inclusion of the Uncultivated:** The act of taking a branch from a **wild olive tree** and grafting it in place of natural "branches" `{{G2798}}` that were "broken off" `{{G1575}}` illustrates a principle of being brought into a place of privilege and sustenance [[Romans 11:17]].
* **Transformation Contrary to Nature:** The process is explicitly described as "contrary to nature," highlighting the unnatural event of a wild, less productive branch being joined to a cultivated, "good olive tree" `{{G2565}}` to make it fruitful [[Romans 11:24]].
* **New Source of Life:** Once grafted, the branch from the **wild olive tree** no longer relies on its own wild root but partakes of the "root" `{{G4491}}` and "fatness" `{{G4096}}` of the host tree, signifying a complete change in its source of life [[Romans 11:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G65}}` is a highly specific term used to build a powerful agricultural illustration. Though appearing only twice, the concept of the **wild olive tree** provides a vivid picture of one's original state, separate from the cultivated tree. Its significance comes from the action of being "graffed in" `{{G1461}}`, a process that is "contrary to nature" and results in sharing the life of the "root" `{{G4491}}`.
TRV