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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Romans 11:16 If the first part of the dough is holy, so is the whole batch; if the root is holy, so are the branches.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/11-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/45_Rom_11_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 11:16 - The Ingrafting of the Gentiles" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If the first part of the dough is holy, so is the whole batch; if the root is holy, so are the branches." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/romans/11-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/romans/11-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/romans/">Romans</a> > <a href="/romans/11.htm">Chapter 11</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/romans/11-15.htm" title="Romans 11:15">◄</a> Romans 11:16 <a href="/romans/11-17.htm" title="Romans 11:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/romans/11.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/romans/11.htm">New International Version</a> If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches. <a href="/nlt/romans/11.htm">New Living Translation</a> And since Abraham and the other patriarchs were holy, their descendants will also be holy—just as the entire batch of dough is holy because the portion given as an offering is holy. For if the roots of the tree are holy, the branches will be, too. <a href="/esv/romans/11.htm">English Standard Version</a> If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches. <a href="/bsb/romans/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> If the first part of the dough is holy, so is the whole batch; if the root is holy, so are the branches. <a href="/blb/romans/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now if the firstfruit is holy, also the lump; and if the root is holy, also the branches. <a href="/kjv/romans/11.htm">King James Bible</a> For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. <a href="/nkjv/romans/11.htm">New King James Version</a> For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. <a href="/nasb_/romans/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> If the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are as well. <a href="/nasb/romans/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> If the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are too. <a href="/nasb77/romans/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And if the first piece of dough be holy, the lump is also; and if the root be holy, the branches are too. <a href="/lsb/romans/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And if the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are too. <a href="/amp/romans/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> If the first portion [of dough offered as the first fruits] is holy, so is the whole batch; and if the root (Abraham, the patriarchs) is holy, so are the branches (the Israelites). <a href="/csb/romans/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now if the firstfruits are holy, so is the whole batch. And if the root is holy, so are the branches. <a href="/hcsb/romans/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now if the firstfruits offered up are holy, so is the whole batch. And if the root is holy, so are the branches. <a href="/asv/romans/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> And if the firstfruit is holy, so is the lump: and if the root is holy, so are the branches. <a href="/cev/romans/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> If part of a batch of dough is made holy by being offered to God, then all of the dough is holy. If the roots of a tree are holy, the rest of the tree is holy too. <a href="/erv/romans/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> And if the firstfruit is holy, so is the lump: and if the root is holy, so are the branches. <a href="/gwt/romans/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If the first handful of dough is holy, the whole batch of dough is holy. If the root is holy, the branches are holy. <a href="/gnt/romans/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> If the first piece of bread is given to God, then the whole loaf is his also; and if the roots of a tree are offered to God, the branches are his also. <a href="/isv/romans/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> If the first part of the dough is holy, so is the whole batch. If the root is holy, so are the branches. <a href="/msb/romans/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> If the first part of the dough is holy, so is the whole batch; if the root is holy, so are the branches. <a href="/net/romans/11.htm">NET Bible</a> If the first portion of the dough offered is holy, then the whole batch is holy, and if the root is holy, so too are the branches. <a href="/nheb/romans/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> If the first part is holy, so is the whole batch. If the root is holy, so are the branches. <a href="/wbt/romans/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For if the first fruit is holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root is holy, so are the branches. <a href="/wey/romans/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now if the firstfruits of the dough are holy, so also is the whole mass; and if the root of a tree is holy, so also are the branches. <a href="/web/romans/11.htm">World English Bible</a> If the first fruit is holy, so is the lump. If the root is holy, so are the branches. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And if the first-fruit [is] holy, the lump also; and if the root [is] holy, the branches also. <a href="/blb/romans/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now if the firstfruit is holy, also the lump; and if the root is holy, also the branches. <a href="/ylt/romans/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and if the first-fruit is holy, the lump also; and if the root is holy, the branches also. <a href="/slt/romans/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And if the first fruit holy, also the mixture: and if the root holy, also the young shoots.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For if the firstfruit be holy, so is the lump also: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. <a href="/cpdv/romans/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For if the first-fruit has been sanctified, so also has the whole. And if the root is holy, so also are the branches. <a href="/nabre/romans/11.htm">New American Bible</a> If the firstfruits are holy, so is the whole batch of dough; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. <a href="/nrsvce/romans/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> If the part of the dough offered as first fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; and if the root is holy, then the branches also are holy.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For if the first fruit is holy, the rest of the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/11.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But if the first fruits are holy, so is the substance. And if the root is holy, so are the branches.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/11.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Now, if the first fruit is holy, the mass is holy also: and if the root is holy, the branches are holy also. <a href="/godbey/romans/11.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But if the first fruit was holy, the lump is also: if the root was holy, the branches are also. <a href="/haweis/romans/11.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Now if the first fruits be holy, so is the mass: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. <a href="/mace/romans/11.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Now if the first-fruits be holy, so is the whole product: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. <a href="/wey/romans/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now if the firstfruits of the dough are holy, so also is the whole mass; and if the root of a tree is holy, so also are the branches. <a href="/worrell/romans/11.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, if the first-fruit is holy, so also is the lump; and, if the root is holy, so also are the branches. <a href="/worsley/romans/11.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Now if the first-fruits be holy, so is the whole heap: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. <a href="/parallel/romans/11-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=2804" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/romans/11.htm">The Ingrafting of the Gentiles</a> …15For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? 16<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">If</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/536.htm" title="536: aparchē (N-NFS) -- From a compound of apo and archomai; a beginning of sacrifice, i.e. The first-fruit.">first part of the dough</a> <a href="/greek/40.htm" title="40: hagia (Adj-NFS) -- Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.">is holy,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">so is</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5445.htm" title="5445: phyrama (N-NNS) -- A mass or lump, as of bread dough. From a prolonged form of phuro, mean to knead; a mass of dough.">whole batch;</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4491.htm" title="4491: rhiza (N-NFS) -- A root, shoot, source; that which comes from the root, a descendent. Apparently a primary word; a root.">root</a> <a href="/greek/40.htm" title="40: hagia (Adj-NFS) -- Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.">is holy,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">so are</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2798.htm" title="2798: kladoi (N-NMP) -- A young tender shoot, then: a branch; met: of descendants. From klao; a twig or bough.">branches.</a> 17Now if some branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/numbers/15-18.htm">Numbers 15:18-21</a> “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you enter the land to which I am bringing you / and you eat the food of the land, you shall lift up an offering to the LORD. / From the first of your dough, you are to lift up a cake as a contribution; offer it just like an offering from the threshing floor. ... <a href="/leviticus/23-10.htm">Leviticus 23:10-14</a> “Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘When you enter the land that I am giving you and you reap its harvest, you are to bring to the priest a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest. / And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD so that it may be accepted on your behalf; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sabbath. / On the day you wave the sheaf, you shall offer a year-old lamb without blemish as a burnt offering to the LORD, ... <a href="/ezekiel/44-30.htm">Ezekiel 44:30</a> The best of all the firstfruits and of every contribution from all your offerings will belong to the priests. You are to give your first batch of dough to the priest, so that a blessing may rest upon your homes. <a href="/nehemiah/10-37.htm">Nehemiah 10:37</a> Moreover, we will bring to the priests at the storerooms of the house of our God the firstfruits of our dough, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees, and of our new wine and oil. A tenth of our produce belongs to the Levites, so that they shall receive tithes in all the towns where we labor. <a href="/proverbs/3-9.htm">Proverbs 3:9</a> Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops; <a href="/genesis/17-7.htm">Genesis 17:7</a> I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. <a href="/jeremiah/2-3.htm">Jeremiah 2:3</a> Israel was holy to the LORD, the firstfruits of His harvest. All who devoured her were found guilty; disaster came upon them,’” declares the LORD. <a href="/exodus/23-19.htm">Exodus 23:19</a> Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God. You must not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-20.htm">1 Corinthians 15:20</a> But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. <a href="/james/1-18.htm">James 1:18</a> He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation. <a href="/matthew/13-33.htm">Matthew 13:33</a> He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour, until all of it was leavened.” <a href="/john/15-5.htm">John 15:5</a> I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. <a href="/1_corinthians/5-6.htm">1 Corinthians 5:6-7</a> Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough? / Get rid of the old leaven, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. <a href="/galatians/5-9.htm">Galatians 5:9</a> A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough. <a href="/hebrews/6-7.htm">Hebrews 6:7-8</a> For land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is tended receives the blessing of God. / But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless, and its curse is imminent. In the end it will be burned.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For if the first fruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.if the first-fruit.<a href="/exodus/22-29.htm">Exodus 22:29</a> Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.<a href="/exodus/23-16.htm">Exodus 23:16,19</a> And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field… <a href="/leviticus/23-10.htm">Leviticus 23:10</a> Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:and if.<a href="/romans/11-17.htm">Romans 11:17</a> And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;<a href="/genesis/17-7.htm">Genesis 17:7</a> And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.<a href="/jeremiah/2-21.htm">Jeremiah 2:21</a> Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/galatians/5-9.htm">Batch</a> <a href="/john/15-6.htm">Branches</a> <a href="/luke/13-21.htm">Dough</a> <a href="/romans/10-19.htm">First</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-4.htm">Firstfruit</a> <a href="/ezekiel/48-14.htm">First-Fruit</a> <a href="/romans/8-23.htm">Firstfruits</a> <a href="/romans/7-5.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/romans/8-23.htm">Fruits</a> <a href="/romans/11-8.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/romans/9-21.htm">Lump</a> <a href="/romans/5-19.htm">Mass</a> <a href="/romans/1-25.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/romans/9-27.htm">Part</a> <a href="/acts/18-14.htm">Piece</a> <a href="/luke/17-6.htm">Root</a> <a href="/acts/13-29.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/romans/10-18.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/5-6.htm">Batch</a> <a href="/romans/11-17.htm">Branches</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-6.htm">Dough</a> <a href="/romans/11-35.htm">First</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-4.htm">Firstfruit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-23.htm">First-Fruit</a> <a href="/romans/16-5.htm">Firstfruits</a> <a href="/romans/15-28.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/romans/16-5.htm">Fruits</a> <a href="/romans/11-26.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-7.htm">Lump</a> <a href="/romans/11-25.htm">Mass</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-7.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/romans/11-17.htm">Part</a> <a href="/genesis/15-10.htm">Piece</a> <a href="/romans/11-17.htm">Root</a> <a href="/romans/11-17.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/romans/11-32.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 11</div>1. <a href="/romans/11-1.htm">God has not cast off all Israel.</a> 7. <a href="/romans/11-7.htm">Some were elected, though the rest were hardened.</a> 16. <a href="/romans/11-16.htm">There is hope of their conversion.</a> 18. <a href="/romans/11-18.htm">The Gentiles may not exult over them;</a> 26. <a href="/romans/11-26.htm">for there is a promise of their salvation.</a> 33. <a href="/romans/11-33.htm">God's judgments are unsearchable.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/romans/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>If the first part of the dough is holy, This phrase draws from the Old Testament practice of offering the firstfruits to God, as seen in <a href="/numbers/15-17.htm">Numbers 15:17-21</a>. The first part of the dough, or the "firstfruits," was consecrated to God, symbolizing that the entire harvest belonged to Him. This concept underscores the principle of holiness and dedication to God. In the context of <a href="/romans/11.htm">Romans 11</a>, Paul uses this metaphor to illustrate the sanctity and set-apart nature of the Jewish patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, whose faith and covenant relationship with God set a foundation for their descendants.so is the whole batch; The holiness of the firstfruits extends to the entire batch, signifying that the blessings and promises given to the patriarchs extend to their descendants. This reflects the continuity of God's covenant and faithfulness. The "whole batch" can be seen as the nation of Israel, which, despite its current unbelief, remains part of God's redemptive plan. This concept is echoed in <a href="/1_corinthians/5-6.htm">1 Corinthians 5:6-7</a>, where Paul speaks of the influence of a small part on the whole.if the root is holy, The root represents the patriarchs and the covenant promises made to them. In biblical symbolism, the root is foundational and life-giving, supporting the entire tree. The holiness of the root signifies the enduring nature of God's promises and the spiritual heritage of Israel. This imagery is consistent with <a href="/isaiah/11.htm">Isaiah 11:1</a>, where the "root of Jesse" is a messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the promises made to the patriarchs.so are the branches. The branches symbolize the people of Israel, who are connected to the root through their heritage and covenant relationship with God. Despite their current state of unbelief, they remain part of the tree, sustained by the root's holiness. This imagery is further developed in <a href="/romans/11-17.htm">Romans 11:17-24</a>, where Paul discusses the grafting in of Gentiles and the potential for the natural branches to be grafted back in. The branches' holiness is contingent upon their connection to the root, emphasizing the importance of faith and covenant fidelity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the Book of Romans, addressing the church in Rome, composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_rome.htm">The Church in Rome</a> The recipients of the letter, a diverse group of early Christians navigating the integration of Jewish and Gentile believers. 3. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation chosen by God, often symbolized by the "root" in this passage, representing the patriarchs and the covenant promises. 4. <a href="/topical/g/gentile_believers.htm">Gentile Believers</a> Non-Jewish Christians who are being grafted into the spiritual heritage of Israel. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_patriarchs.htm">The Patriarchs</a> Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, representing the "first part of the dough" and the "root" that is holy.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/h/holiness_begins_at_the_source.htm">Holiness Begins at the Source</a> Just as the first part of the dough sanctifies the whole batch, our spiritual lives must be rooted in Christ, the source of holiness. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a> The passage encourages unity among believers, reminding us that both Jewish and Gentile Christians share in the same holy root. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_heritage.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Heritage</a> Recognize and honor the spiritual heritage and promises given to the patriarchs, which are fulfilled in Christ. <a href="/topical/r/remaining_connected_to_the_root.htm">Remaining Connected to the Root</a> Like branches, believers must remain connected to the holy root to bear fruit and live a life pleasing to God. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith_and_grace.htm">The Role of Faith and Grace</a> Understand that being part of the holy root is not by works but by faith and grace, emphasizing humility and gratitude.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 11</a> <a href="/q/how_did_russell's_bible_views_differ.htm">What is the biblical significance of the olive tree?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'grafted_into_israel'_mean.htm">What does 'grafted into Israel' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_roman_catholicism.htm">What defines Roman Catholicism?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_greek_orthodox_church.htm">What is the Greek Orthodox Church?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) And we have the strongest reason for believing in this reconversion of the Jews. Their forefathers were the first recipients of the promise, and what they were it is only natural to hope that their descendants will be. When a piece of dough is taken from the lump to make a consecrated cake, the consecration of the part extends over the whole; and the character which is inherent in the root of a tree shows itself also in the branches. So we may believe that the latter end of Israel will be like its beginning. The consecration that was imparted to it in the founders of the race we may expect to see resumed by their descendants, even though it is for a time interrupted.The firstfruit . . . the lump.--The allusion here is to the custom, described in <a href="/context/numbers/15-19.htm" title="Then it shall be, that, when you eat of the bread of the land, you shall offer up an heave offering to the LORD.">Numbers 15:19-21</a>, of dedicating a portion of the dough to God. The portion thus taken was to be a "heave-offering"--i.e., it was to be "waved," or "heaved," before the Lord, and was then given to the priest.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - And if the firstfruit be holy, so also is the lump; and if the root be holy, so also are the branches. By the firstfruit and the root is signified the original stock of Israel, the patriarchs; by the lump and the branches, the subsequent nation through all time. The word ἀπαρχή, being here connected with φύραμα, may be understood as referring to <a href="/numbers/15-19.htm">Numbers 15:19-22</a>. The people are there enjoined to take of the first dough (φύραμα) kneaded after harvest a cake for a heave offering, called ἀπαρχή φυράματος (LXX.). This consecrated ἀπαρχή sanctified the whole φύραμα. <a href="/commentaries/romans/11-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>If εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. first part [of the dough] ἀπαρχὴ (aparchē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_536.htm">Strong's 536: </a> From a compound of apo and archomai; a beginning of sacrifice, i.e. The first-fruit. [is] holy, ἁγία (hagia) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred. so [is] καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. the τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. whole batch; φύραμα (phyrama) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5445.htm">Strong's 5445: </a> A mass or lump, as of bread dough. From a prolonged form of phuro, mean to knead; a mass of dough. if εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. root ῥίζα (rhiza) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4491.htm">Strong's 4491: </a> A root, shoot, source; that which comes from the root, a descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'root'. [is] holy, ἁγία (hagia) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred. so [are] καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. branches. κλάδοι (kladoi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2798.htm">Strong's 2798: </a> A young tender shoot, then: a branch; met: of descendants. From klao; a twig or bough. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/11-16.htm">Romans 11:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/11-16.htm">Romans 11:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/11-16.htm">Romans 11:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/11-16.htm">Romans 11:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/11-16.htm">Romans 11:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/11-16.htm">Romans 11:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/11-16.htm">Romans 11:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/11-16.htm">Romans 11:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/11-16.htm">Romans 11:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/11-16.htm">Romans 11:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/11-16.htm">NT Letters: Romans 11:16 If the first fruit is holy so (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/11-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 11:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 11:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/11-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 11:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 11:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>