16 If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits(A) is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.

17 If some of the branches have been broken off,(B) and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others(C) and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, 18 do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.(D) 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” 20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith.(E) Do not be arrogant,(F) but tremble.(G) 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.

22 Consider therefore the kindness(H) and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue(I) in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.(J) 23 And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.(K) 24 After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree,(L) how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!

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

17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.

20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.

24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?

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