Romans Chapter 11 verse 16 Holy Bible
And if the firstfruit is holy, so is the lump: and if the root is holy, so are the branches.
read chapter 11 in ASV
And if the first-fruit is holy, so is the mass: and if the root is holy, so are the branches.
read chapter 11 in BBE
Now if the first-fruit [be] holy, the lump also; and if the root [be] holy, the branches also.
read chapter 11 in DARBY
For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.
read chapter 11 in KJV
read chapter 11 in WBT
If the first fruit is holy, so is the lump. If the root is holy, so are the branches.
read chapter 11 in WEB
and if the first-fruit `is' holy, the lump also; and if the root `is' holy, the branches also.
read chapter 11 in YLT
Pulpit Commentary
Pulpit CommentaryVerse 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 Numbers 15:19-22. 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.
Ellicott's Commentary
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(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.
