Devine Scripture

Romans 11:16

What does Romans 11:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 11:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 11:16 means

Two images explain Israel’s holy origin and its implications. If the first portion of dough (firstfruit) is holy, the whole lump shares that consecration. Likewise, if the root is holy, so are the branches. Paul likely has the patriarchal promises in view—the consecration of the root (Abraham and the covenant) imparts a kind of set-apart status to Israel. This does not guarantee individual salvation, but it grounds hope for the branches. The holiness of the root supports the olive tree’s life. Thus, despite present unbelief in many branches, the tree’s foundation remains, and God’s saving purposes tied to that root are not void.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And if the firstfruit is holy, so is the lump: and if the root is holy, so are the branches.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And if the firstfruit is holy, so is the lump: and if the root is holy, so are the branches.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And if the first-fruit is holy, so is the mass: and if the root is holy, so are the branches.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and if the first-fruit <FI>is<Fi> holy, the lump also; and if the root <FI>is<Fi> holy, the branches also.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For if the firstfruit be holy, so is the lump also: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now if the first-fruit [be] holy, the lump also; and if the root [be] holy, the branches also.

Context

Verse 16 transitions from the “life from the dead” promise (verse 15) to the olive tree metaphor developed in verses 17–24. By establishing that the root is holy, Paul provides the theological basis for expecting restoration and for warning Gentiles against arrogance. The next verses will describe branches broken off (unbelieving Jews), wild branches grafted in (believing Gentiles), and the proper posture of humility and fear.

v.15For if the casting away of them is the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

v.16This passage

v.17But if some of the branches were broken off, and thou, being a wild olive, wast grafted in among them, and didst become partaker with them of the root of the fatness of the olive tree;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Leviticus 23:10

    Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye are come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring the sheaf of the first-fruits of your harvest unto the priest:

  • Deuteronomy 26:10

    And now, behold, I have brought the first of the fruit of the ground, which thou, O Jehovah, hast given me. And thou shalt set it down before Jehovah thy God, and worship before Jehovah thy God:

  • Proverbs 3:9

    Honor Jehovah with thy substance, And with the first-fruits of all thine increase:

  • Numbers 15:17

    And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,

  • Revelation 14:4

    These are they that were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they that follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were purchased from among men, to be the firstfruits unto God and unto the Lamb.

  • Exodus 23:16

    and the feast of harvest, the first-fruits of thy labors, which thou sowest in the field: and the feast of ingathering, at the end of the year, when thou gatherest in thy labors out of the field.

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