Genesis 8:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The phrase "towards evening" holds significance, indicating that the dove had been outside the ark throughout the day. After locating its sustenance, it returned at dusk, carrying an olive branch in its beak. This creature symbolizes gentleness and an enduring desire for companionship, exemplified by its return to the ark, where it provided great solace to the righteous. Some may question where the dove discovered the olive branch. It was entirely by God's Providence that the branch was located, and the dove picked it up and brought it back to the righteous man. It is also known that this olive tree remains lush and green, likely retaining leaves even after the waters receded.

He dispatched the first and second dove to determine whether the waters of the flood had receded. They came back to the ark, reminiscent of being in a cage; one of them carried a branch in its beak, as it is written, and it was an olive branch. In a similar manner, Christ sends His saints to observe the world and those dwelling within it. They return, as if to herald peace: for the olive branch in the dove's mouth subtly signifies this, as this plant has always represented peace. Thus, those who love God are cleansed through faith, and in the humility of living according to the Gospel, they are chosen by Him.

The symbolism of the eternal realm is clearly illustrated by the olive branch that the dove returned to the ark. This is understandable, as the oil on the branch remains untainted by other substances, and the tree it comes from is perpetually lush and vibrant.

The synagogue lacks this sacred oil because it lacks the olive tree and does not understand what type of dove delivered the olive branch after the deluge. However, this dove descended upon Christ during His baptism and remained with Him, as John attests in the Gospel: I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and remaining on Him (John 1:32).

The dove symbolizes the Lord Himself, characterized by His gentleness and purity. He is likened to a dove because He instructed His followers to embody such simplicity: Be simple as doves (Matthew 10:16). The prophetic words illustrate Christ as the dove, particularly in reference to His ascension after enduring earthly suffering: Who would give me wings like a dove? I would fly away and be at rest (Psalm 54:7). When Christ ordained the sacraments for His Church, a dove descended from heaven (See Matt. 3:14, Mk. 1:10, Lk. 3:22, Jn. 1:32), revealing the mystery and significance of the sacrament. The dove that now comes upon the Church of Christ in baptism is the same one that previously emerged from Noah's ark after the flood.

Following the release of the raven, Noah sent forth a dove, which returned in the evening bearing an olive branch with fresh leaves in its beak. You may have discerned, dear brethren, and rightly anticipated before I elaborate, that the olive branch signifies the grace of the Holy Spirit, flourishing with the words of life, the fullness of which, resting upon Christ, is expressed in the Psalm: Thou hast anointed thee, O God, thy God, with the oil of gladness more than thy partners (Psalm 44:8). John affirms this by stating, Ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and know all things. This beautiful metaphor resonates with the truth.

Some individuals struggle to grasp the significance of the olive leaf found in Armenia after the deluge. However, the olive tree, which Strabo documented in his writings and which he encountered while residing near Armenia in Cappadocia, is one that retains its foliage year-round. According to Theophrastus and Pliny, it even has the ability to thrive underwater. The message Noah received from the dove indicated that the mountains and valleys, where olive trees commonly flourish, were starting to emerge, signifying that the earth was not irreparably harmed and could soon be revitalized to support life. Amid the devastation wrought by divine judgment, Noah received an olive branch from the dove, symbolizing reconciliation and God's covenant.

The olive tree flourishes in both flatlands and elevated regions. If a dove were to bring a budding branch from the olive tree to the ark, we might reasonably infer that the low-lying areas or perhaps the gentle slopes had been released from the floodwaters. It raises the question of how, so shortly after the waters receded, fresh green leaves could be present on the olive tree. This is not surprising, as the olive tree is known for retaining its foliage and can even thrive underwater, as noted by naturalists, such as in the case of the Black Sea.