Romans 11:16

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Romans 11:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

If the first part of the dough is holy, so is the whole batch; if the root is holy, so are the branches.

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

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

Free Bible Version FBV

If the first part of the bread dough given as an offering is holy, then so is all the rest; if the roots of a tree are holy, then so are the branches.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For if the first fruites be holy, so is the whole lumpe: and if the roote be holy, so are the branches.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

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

World English Bible WEB

If the first fruit is holy, so is the lump. If the root is holy, so are the branches.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For if the first fruit is holy, the lump is also holy : and if the root is holy, so are the branches.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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

Translation for Translators T4T

Just like the whole lump of dough will belong to God if people offer to God [MET] the bread baked from the first part of it [MET], so the Jews will belong to God because their ancestors belonged to God. And just like the branches of a tree will be good if the roots are good [MET], so the descendants of our great Jewish ancestors who belonged to God will also some day belong to God.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Romans 11:16

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Romans 11:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ει δε η απαρχη αγια και το φυραμα και ει η ριζα αγια και οι κλαδοι

ει ei G1487 if COND

δε de G1161 then Conj

η ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSF

απαρχη aparchē G536 firstfruits Noun-NSF

αγια hagios G40 holy Adj-NSF

και kai G2532 and Conj

το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSN

φυραμα phurama G5445 lump Noun-NSN

και kai G2532 and Conj

ει ei G1487 if COND

η ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSF

ριζα rhiza G4491 root Noun-NSF

αγια hagios G40 holy Adj-NSF

και kai G2532 and Conj

οι ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NPM

κλαδοι klados G2798 branch Noun-NPM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Romans 11:16

ει ei G1487 "if" COND

This word means 'if' and is used to express conditions or questions. It appears in many Bible verses, such as Matthew 11:14 and Romans 8:25, introducing a condition or hypothesis.

Definition: εἰ, conjunctive particle, used in conditions and in indirect questions. __I. Conditional, if; __1. with indic, expressing a general assumption; __(a) pres.: before indic, pres., Mat.11:14, Rom.8:25, al.; before imperat., Mrk.4:23 9:22, Jhn.15:18, 1Co.7:9, al.; before fut. indic., Luk.16:31, Rom.8:11, al.; before pf. or aor., with negation in apodosis, Mat.12:26, Rom.4:14, al.; similarly, before impf., Luk.17:6, Jhn.8:39; before quæst., Mat.6:23, Jhn.5:47 7:23 8:46, 1Pe.2:20; __(b) fut.: Mat.26:33, 1Pe.2:20; __(with) pf.: Jhn.11:12, Rom.6:5, al.; __(d) aor.: Luk.16:11 19:8, Jhn.13:32, 18:23, Rev.20:15, al. __2. Where the assumption is certain = ἐπεί: Mat.12:28, Jhn.7:4, Rom.5:17, al. __3. Of an unfulfilled condition, with indic, impf., aor. or plpf., before ἄν, with imp. or aor. (see: ἄν, I, i). __4. C. indic., after verbs denoting wonder, etc., sometimes, but not always, coupled with an element of doubt: Mrk.15:44, 1Jn.3:13, al. __5. C. indic., as in LXX (Num.14:3o, 1Ki.14:45, al. = Heb. אִם), in oaths, with the formula of imprecation understood in a suppressed apodosis (WM, 627; Burton, §272): Mrk.8:12, Heb.3:11" (LXX) 4:3 (LXX). __6. Rarely (cl.) with optative, to express a merely possible condition: Act.24:19 27:39, 1Co.14:10 15:37, I Pe3:14, 17. __II. Interrogative, if, whether. __1. As in cl., in indir. questions after verbs of seeing, asking, knowing, saying, etc.: with indic. pres., Mat.26:63, Mrk.15:36, Act.19:2, 2Co.13:5, al.; fut., Mrk.3:2, Act.8:22, al.; aor., Mrk.15:44, 1Co.1:16, al.; with subjc. aor. (M, Pr., 194), Php.3:12. __2. As in LXX (= Heb. אִם and interrog. הֲ, Gen.17:17, al.; see WM, 639f.; Viteau, i, 22), in direct questions: Mrk.8:23 (Tr., WH, txt.), Luk.13:23, 22:49, Act.19:2, al. __III. With other particles. __1. εἰ ἄρα, εἴγε, εἰ δὲ μήγε, see: ἄρα, γε. __2. εἰ δὲ καί, but if also: Luk.11:18; but even if, 1Co.4:7, 2Co.4:3 11:16. __3. εἰ δὲ μή, but if not, but if otherwise: Mrk.2:21, 22 Jhn.14:2, Rev.2:5, al. __4. εἰ καί, if even, if also, although: Mrk.14:29, Luk.11:8, 1Co.7:21, 2Co.4:16, Php.2:17, al. __5. καὶ εἰ, even if, see: καί __6. εἰ μή, if not, unless, except, but only: Mat.24:22, Mrk.2:26 6:5, Jhn.9:33, 1Co.7:17 (only), Gal.1:19 (cf. ἐὰν μή, 2:16; see Hort., Ja., xvi); ἐκτὸς εἰ μή, pleonastic (Bl., §65, 6), 1Co.14:5 15:2, 1Ti.5:19. __7. εἰ μήν = cl. ἦ μήν (M, Pr., 46), in oaths, surely (Eze.33:27, al.): Heb.6:14. __8. εἴ πως, if haply: Act.27:12, Rom.1:10. __9. εἴτε . . . εἴτε, whether . . . or; Rom.12:6-8, 1Co.3:22 13:8, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 459 NT verses. KJV: forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether See also: 1 Corinthians 1:14; 2 Corinthians 10:7; 1 Peter 1:6.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

η ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

απαρχη aparchē G536 "firstfruits" Noun-NSF

Firstfruits refer to the beginning of a sacrifice or the first produce of a harvest, like in Romans 11:16 and 1 Corinthians 16:15. It can also mean the first Christians, as in Romans 16:5 and 1 Corinthians 16:15, who are like the first fruits of God's new creation.

Definition: ἀπ-αρχή, -ῆς, ἡ (ἀπάρχομαι, to make a beginning in sacrifice, offer first fruits) [in LXX chiefly for תְּרוּמָה, רֵאשִׁית ;] __1. the beginning of a sacrifice. __2. first fruits: τοῦ φυράματος (cf. Num.15:20), Rom.11:16. Metaphorical, ἀ. τοῦ πνεύματος: Rom.8:23; of Christians: Rom.16:5, 1, 1Co.16:15, 2Th.2:13 (WH, mg., R, mg., txt., ἀπ᾽ ἀρχῆς; see Lft., Notes, 119 f.), Jas.1:18, Rev.14:4; of Christ: 1Co.15:20 15:23 (Cremer, 117; MM, VGT, see word).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: first-fruits See also: 1 Corinthians 15:20; Revelation 14:4; James 1:18.

αγια hagios G40 "holy" Adj-NSF

In the Bible, this word means holy or set apart, describing God and things dedicated to Him. It appears in Luke 1:49 and John 17:11, highlighting God's purity and majesty.

Definition: ἅγιος, -α, ον (τό ἅγός, religious awe; ἅζω, to venerate), [in LXX chiefly for קֹ֫דֶשׁ ;] primarily, dedicated to the gods, sacred (Hdt.; rare in Att., never in Hom., Hes. and Trag., who use ἁγνός), hence, holy, characteristic of God, separated to God, worthy of veneration. __1. Its highest application is to God himself, in his purity, majesty, and glory: Luk.1:49, Jhn.17:11, Rev.4:8. Hence __(a) of things and places which have a claim to reverence as sacred to God, e.g. the Temple: Mat.24:15, Heb.9:1; __(b) of persons employed by him, as angels: 1Th.3:13; prophets, Luk.1:70; apostles, Eph.3:5. __2. Applied to persons as separated to God's service: __(a) of Christ, Mrk.1:24, Jhn.6:69, Act.4:30; __(b) of Christians, Act.9:13, Rom.1:7, Heb.6:10, Rev.5:8. __3. In the moral sense of sharing God's purity: Mrk.6:20, Jhn.17:11, Act.3:14, Rev.3:7. __4. Of pure, clean sacrifices and offerings: 1Co.7:14, Eph.1:4. SYN.: ἁγνός, pure, both in ceremonial and spiritual sense; ἱερός (sacer), sacred, that which is inviolable because of its (external) relation to God; ὅσιος (sanctus as opposite to nefas), that which is based on everlasting ordinances of right. (Cf. Tr., Syn., §lxxxviii; DB, ii, 399 f.; Cremer, 34, 594-601; MM, VGT, see word) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 228 NT verses. KJV: (most) holy (one, thing), saint See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Colossians 1:26; 1 Peter 1:12.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

φυραμα phurama G5445 "lump" Noun-NSN

A lump, like a lump of dough in Romans 11:16 and Galatians 5:9.

Definition: φύραμα, -τος, τό (φυράω, to mix), [in LXX: Exo.8:3 (Exo.7:28) Exo.12:34 (מִשְׁאֶרֶת), מִשְׁאֶרֶת), Num.15:20-21 (עֲרִיסָה) * ;] that which is mixed or kneaded, a lump: of dough, Rom.11:16, 1Co.5:6-7, Gal.5:9; of clay, Rom.9:21.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: lump See also: 1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:9; Romans 9:21.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

ει ei G1487 "if" COND

This word means 'if' and is used to express conditions or questions. It appears in many Bible verses, such as Matthew 11:14 and Romans 8:25, introducing a condition or hypothesis.

Usage: Occurs in 459 NT verses. KJV: forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether See also: 1 Corinthians 1:14; 2 Corinthians 10:7; 1 Peter 1:6.

η ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ριζα rhiza G4491 "root" Noun-NSF

A root is the source or origin of something. In the Bible, this word is used literally, like in Matthew 3:10, and figuratively, like in 1 Timothy 6:10, to describe the source of evil. It can also refer to ancestors or the foundation of something.

Definition: ῥίζα, -ης, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for שָׁרַשׁ ;] a root: Mat.3:10, Luk.3:9; ἐκ ῥιζῶν, Mrk.11:20; ῥ. ἔχειν, Mat.13:6, Mrk.4:6; id. before ἐν ἑαυτῷ, figuratively, Mat.13:21, Mrk.4:17, Luk.8:13. Metaphorical (as in various senses in cl.), of cause, origin, source, etc.; __(a) of things, ῥ. πάντων τ. κακῶν (Eur.), 1Ti.6:10; __(b) of persons: of ancestors, Rom.11:16-18; ῥ. πικρίας, Heb.12:15. Of that which springs from a root, a shoot; metaphorically, of offspring, Rom.15:12 (LXX) Rev.5:5 22:16.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 16 NT verses. KJV: root See also: 1 Timothy 6:10; Matthew 13:6; Hebrews 12:15.

αγια hagios G40 "holy" Adj-NSF

In the Bible, this word means holy or set apart, describing God and things dedicated to Him. It appears in Luke 1:49 and John 17:11, highlighting God's purity and majesty.

Usage: Occurs in 228 NT verses. KJV: (most) holy (one, thing), saint See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Colossians 1:26; 1 Peter 1:12.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

οι ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

κλαδοι klados G2798 "branch" Noun-NPM

A branch is a small part of a tree, like the ones people cut and waved in Matthew 21:8 to celebrate Jesus.

Definition: κλάδος, -ου, ὁ (κλάω), [in LXX for דָּלִיָּה, כַּף, etc. ;] a young tender shoot broken off for grafting; then, a branch: Mat.13:32 21:8 24:32, Mrk.4:32 13:28, Luk.13:19; metaphorically, of descendants (cf. Sir.40:15), Rom.11:16-19, 21.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: branch See also: Luke 13:19; Matthew 24:32; Romans 11:16.

Study Notes — Romans 11:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Romans 11:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Romans 11:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 11:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 11:16
Trapp's Commentary on Romans 11:16
Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 11:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 11:16
Cambridge Bible on Romans 11:16
Barnes' Notes on Romans 11:16
Whedon's Commentary on Romans 11:16
Sermons on Romans 11:16

Context — The Ingrafting of the Gentiles

14in the hope that I may provoke my own people to jealousy and save some of them. 15For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

16If the first part of the dough is holy, so is the whole batch; if the root is holy, so are the branches.

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, 18do not boast over those branches. If you do, remember this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 44:30	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.
2	James 1:18	He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.
3	Proverbs 3:9	Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest;
4	Numbers 15:17–21	Then the LORD said to Moses, “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. Throughout your generations, you are to give the LORD an offering from the first of your dough.
5	Jeremiah 2:21	I had planted you like a choice vine from the very best seed. How could you turn yourself before Me into a rotten, wild vine?
6	Romans 11:17	Now 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,
7	Leviticus 23:10	“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.
8	Genesis 17:7	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.
9	Deuteronomy 26:10	And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land that You, O LORD, have given me.” Then you are to place the basket before the LORD your God and bow down before Him.
10	Deuteronomy 18:4	You are to give them the firstfruits of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the first wool sheared from your flock.

Romans 11:16 Summary

This verse is saying that if the beginning of something is good and holy, then the rest of it will be too. It's like when you make a batch of dough, if the first part is good, the whole batch will be good. Paul is using this idea to talk about the Jewish people and how they are connected to God. If the 'root' of the Jewish people is holy, then the 'branches' (the people) will be holy too, as seen in Romans 11:17-18 and Jeremiah 11:16. This means that God's promises to the Jewish people are still in effect, and that their acceptance of Jesus Christ will bring about a greater fulfillment of those promises, as seen in Acts 3:25-26.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of the dough and the root in Romans 11:16?

The dough and the root are metaphors used by the Apostle Paul to describe the relationship between the Jewish people and the Gentiles, with the dough representing the whole batch of people and the root representing the foundation of faith in God, as seen in Romans 11:17-18 and Isaiah 60:21.

Is Paul saying that all Jewish people are holy because of their heritage?

No, Paul is not saying that all Jewish people are automatically holy, but rather that the Jewish people have a special place in God's plan, as seen in Romans 9:4-5 and Ephesians 2:12, and that their acceptance of Jesus Christ will bring life to the world, as seen in Romans 11:15.

What does it mean for the branches to be holy if the root is holy?

If the root is holy, it means that the foundation of faith is strong, and the branches, representing the people, will also be holy, as they are nourished by the root, as seen in John 15:1-5 and Colossians 2:6-7.

How does this verse relate to the concept of covenant in the Bible?

This verse relates to the concept of covenant in that it highlights the idea that God's covenant with the Jewish people is still in effect, and that their acceptance of Jesus Christ will bring about a greater fulfillment of God's promises, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Hebrews 8:6-13.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean for me to be a part of the 'whole batch' of God's people, and how can I contribute to the holiness of the group?
In what ways can I, like the wild olive shoot, be grafted into the nourishment of the olive root, and what does that mean for my spiritual growth?
How can I, like the branches, remain connected to the root of faith, and what are the consequences of being disconnected, as seen in John 15:6?
What does it mean for me to 'boast' in my spiritual heritage, and how can I avoid doing so, as warned in Romans 11:18?

Gill's Exposition on Romans 11:16

For if the firstfruit be holy,.... Some by "the firstfruit" and "root" understand Christ, who is sometimes called, "the firstfruits of them that slept", 1 Corinthians 15:20, and "the root of Jesse

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 11:16

For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. For ('But') if the first-fruit be holy, the lump is also [holy]; and if the roof be holy, so [are] the branches.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 11:16

Here is another argument to prove the Jews are not finally rejected, because of the covenant made with their fathers. If the first-fruit be holy: some make a difference between the first-fruit, and the root, in the latter part of the verse. By the first-fruit they understand the apostles and other godly Jews, that were at first converted to the Christian faith; and by the root they understand Abraham and the patriarchs. Others take them for the same, and understand Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, with the rest of the patriarchs, to be both the first-fruit and the root. The lump is also holy; by lump, and branches, he means the people of the Jews that descended of these holy patriarchs, and spring from them, as branches from a root. The great question is, In what sense they are said to be holy? Or of what holiness doth he speak? It is not meant of inherent, but of federal, or covenant holiness; all in all outward and visible covenant with God, were called holy: see . Many common things are called holy in Scripture, because dedicated to God and to his service; yea, Jerusalem, though a place of great wickedness, is called a holy city, . In such a sense as this, the Jews are still a holy people; they have an hereditary kind of dedication to God; they have a federal holiness, and relation to God, as being for ever separated to him, in the loins of their progenitors; this can never be wholly forfeited, as being granted to all the posterity of the holy patriarchs: therefore they are called the children of the covenant, which God made with their fathers, : see . So then God will remember in his own time, his covenant with the Jews, the posterity of Abraham, &c., who are beloved for the fathers’ sakes, . Therefore, in the mean time, they should not look on themselves with desperation; nor should the Gentiles look on them with disdain, as it follows in the next words.

Trapp's Commentary on Romans 11:16

16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. Ver. 16. If the firstfruit be holy] Not with a natural, but a federal holiness, as 1 Corinthians 7:14.

Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 11:16

(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 Numbers 15:19-21, 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.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 11:16

Verse 16. For if the first fruit be holy] As the consecrating the first fruits to God was the means of drawing down his blessing upon the rest, so the conversion of Abraham to the true faith, and the several Jews who have now embraced Christianity, are pledges that God will, in process of time, admit the whole Jewish nation into his favour again, so that they shall constitute a part of the visible Church of Christ. If the root be holy, so are the branches.] The word holy in this verse is to be taken in that sense which it has so frequently in the Old and New Testaments, viz. consecrated, set apart to sacred uses. It must not be forgotten that the first converts to Christ were from among the Jews; these formed the root of the Christian Church: these were holy, αγιοι, consecrated to God, and those who among the Gentiles were converted by their means were also αγιοι, consecrated; but the chief reference is to the ancestors of the Jewish people, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and, as these were devoted to God and received into his covenant, all their posterity, the branches which proceeded from this root, became entitled to the same privileges: and as the root still remains, and the branches also, the descendants from that root still remain: they still have a certain title to the blessings of the covenant; though, because of their obstinate unbelief, these blessings are suspended, as they cannot, even on the ground of the old covenant, enjoy these blessings but through faith: for it was when Abraham believed God that it was accounted to him for righteousness; and thus he became an heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Cambridge Bible on Romans 11:16

16. For] Lit., and much better, But, or Now. The word marks transition to a new fact in connexion with the “receiving” of Israel; the fact of the peculiar position of Jews with regard to the Divine Promise. The main effect of the following passage, to Romans 11:24, is to prove that the restoration of Jews to the Church of Messiah, so far from being unlikely, is in the nature of the case likely. Their peculiar connexion, by lineal descent, with the Fathers, makes it certain that their return will be as abundantly welcome to their God as the admission of the Gentiles. We might say more welcome, but for the fact that no welcome can be fuller than that which awaits the true believer of whatever nation. But St Paul wishes to meet the rising prejudice (so strong and stubborn in after ages) of Gentile against Jewish believers, by emphasizing the grand fact that the whole Church springs, so to speak, from a Jewish root; and that thus nothing could be, in a certain sense, more natural than the restoration of Jews to the Church. He has also to announce that there is reserved for Israel, in the future, not merely restoration to the Church, but a work of special importance and glory in it for the world.the firstfruit] The Jewish Patriarchs, but perhaps specially Abraham, who was eminently “holy” in the sense of consecration to the purposes of God.—For the figure here cp. Numbers 15:21; “Of the first of your dough ye shall offer unto the Lord an heave-offering.” The words just below here point to the idea of “firstfruits” not of grain but of bread.holy] In the sense indicated in the last note. The Patriarchs were, by the Divine purpose, separated to be special recipients of Divine light, in trust for their descendants and the world. In a sense somewhat similar their descendants, viewed as a nation, are still separated in the Divine purpose to a special work connected with Divine mercy. The reference is not, of course, to a supposed superior personal sanctity of individual Jews as such, (which would be to contradict the whole reasoning of cch. 2, 3, 4,) but to the special purpose towards Israel as a nation, in view of which they are reserved (scattered but never vanishing) for a time of grace.the root] Here again the figure points to the Patriarchs, and especially to Abraham. (Cp. Isaiah 51:1-2, for yet another figure, that of the Quarry, with the same reference.) The “root” and “branches” are here brought in to form the main illustration of the passage following as far as Romans 11:25. The passage is one of much importance and some difficulty, and calls for a few preliminary remarks.

Barnes' Notes on Romans 11:16

For if the first-fruit be holy - The word “first-fruit” ἀπαρχή aparchē used here denotes the firstling of fruit or grain which was separated from the mass and presented as an offering to God.

Whedon's Commentary on Romans 11:16

16. Firstfruit—The first product of the autumn of any kind offered to God was called firstfruit. Here, as the word lump indicates, it means the first dough for baking.

Sermons on Romans 11:16

	Sermon	Description
	Israel and Church by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the ideological issue surrounding the present state of Israel. He contrasts two statements: "Never again" and "we are cut off, we are without
	K-505 Israel as the Missing Key by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the ultimate demonstration that the church is called to be. He emphasizes that the church should strive to impress and move those who have his
	First Fruits by Michael Koulianos	Michael Koulianos emphasizes the significance of 'first fruits' in our spiritual lives, drawing from Romans 11:16 to illustrate that the beginnings of our actions and commitments t
	Holiness: What It Is Not, and What It Is by Samuel Logan Brengle	Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes that holiness is often misunderstood; it is not a constant state of joy, freedom from temptation, infirmities, or afflictions. Instead, holiness is
	Does God Do Miracles Today? - Sign Gifts by Denis Lyle	Denis Lyle preaches on the importance of producing spiritual fruit in our lives, emphasizing that just as trees are known by their fruit, Christians are recognized by the fruit the
	The Parable of the Olive Tree by Arno Clemens Gaebelein	Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the parable of the good and wild olive trees in Romans 11, emphasizing the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles. The parable illustrates
	Authority and God's Word - Part 2 by Derek Prince	This sermon delves into the profound nature of God's Word as described in Hebrews 4:12, emphasizing its living and powerful essence that penetrates the deepest parts of our being.