What does the olive branch symbolize in Christianity?

Christians view the Old and New Testaments as inspired and believe the olive branch has a biblical-based tie to God's covenants, peace, and promises. 

Theologians trace the ancient associations to Genesis 8, when Noah, looking for a sign of assurance, released a dove in the hope it would find land—it returned with a small olive branch in its beak (Genesis 8:11). 

The longevity and abundant harvest the trees are known for point simply to the nature of God—who is the "ancient of days" (Daniel 7:13) and "provider" (Psalm 65:9). 

In Christianity, believers link the process by which olives are crushed to produce oil to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Isaiah the prophet noted, hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus, that the Messiah would be beaten and crushed (Isaiah 53:5) to show the measure of His love and affect the redemption of humanity (John 3:!6).

In this sense, the olive tree represents Jesus and the cross, and olive oil represents the gift of the Holy Spirit, given to the New Testament Church fifty days later (Acts 2). Note: Jesus prayed in the peaceful and quiet Garden of Gethsemane, which included a grove of olive trees, before going to the cross. In the Garden of Gethsemane (which means olive press), the "Prince of peace," sought peace, before making it possible for a fallen humanity to be at "peace with God." (Romans 5:1).

Interestingly, though the Olive branch has many divine connotations, it can also represent the righteous person. Psalm 52:8 and Hosea 14:6 link the flowering olive tree branch with the ability to persevere, thrive and produce fruit. Scripture links young, vibrant olive trees with children in Psalm 128:3. 

Scripture also links olive tree branches and fruit with the welcoming of God-appointed kings. In the coronation of kings, olive oil was an emblem of God's covering and the king's role as sovereign. Citizens cut branches from olive trees and waved them to hail the new king. Prophets and priests used olive oil to anoint national leaders.

Paul referenced the branches of the olive tree to illustrate how God grafts Gentile believers into the family of faith and covenant of grace (Romans 11:17-18). Interestingly, olive trees are especially receptive to new branches—even of other olive types of olive trees—being grafted into the trunk of the tree.

Olive trees in Israel: A brief history

The approximately 200 references to Olives, Olive oil, and Olive Trees in the Bible remind the reader of olive trees' prominent role throughout history.  

•       Over the centuries, olive trees have been a food source: "They captured fortified cities and fertile land; they took possession of houses filled with all kinds of good things, wells already dug, vineyards, olive groves and fruit trees in abundance. They ate to the full and were well-nourished; they reveled in your great goodness." (Nehemiah 9:25)
•       Olive oil has fueled lamps, symbolizing the abiding presence of God: "Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning." (Exodus 27:20)
•       Olive oil has been used as medicine: From the sole of your foot to the top of your head, there is no soundness—only wounds and welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with olive oil. (Isaiah 1:6)
•       He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. (Luke 10:34)
•       Olive oil is associated with sacrifice: "If you bring a grain offering baked in an oven, it is to consist of the finest flour: either thick loaves made without yeast and with olive oil mixed in or thin loaves made without yeast and brushed with olive oil." (Leviticus 2:4)
•       Early the next morning, Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. (Genesis 28:18)