Romans 11:16 web — If the first fruit is holy, so is the lump. If the root is holy, so are the branches.

World English Bible

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

— Romans 11:16, World English Bible

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Romans 11:16 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Romans 11 — Context

13

For I speak to you who are Gentiles. Since then as I am an apostle to Gentiles, I glorify my ministry;

14

if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh, and may save some of them.

15

For if the rejection of them is the reconciling of the world, what would their acceptance be, but life from the dead?

16

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

17

But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them, and became partaker with them of the root and of the richness of the olive tree;

18

don't boast over the branches. But if you boast, it is not you who support the root, but the root supports you.

19

You will say then, "Branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in."

Romans 11:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Romans 11:16 say?
Romans 11:16 in the World English Bible reads: “If the first fruit is holy, so is the lump. If the root is holy, so are the branches.”
Where is Romans 11:16 in the Bible?
Romans 11:16 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Romans, chapter 11, verse 16.
Who wrote Romans?
Romans is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 56–57.
What is the book of Romans about?
Romans is Paul's most systematic exposition of the gospel — the universal need for salvation, justification by faith in Christ, the new life of the Spirit, the place of Israel in God's plan, and the practical shape of a transformed community. The most influential letter in church history.
What are the major themes of Romans?
Romans explores themes including Righteousness by Faith, Sin, Grace, Spirit-Filled Life, Israel, Christian Living. These themes shape the meaning and context of Romans 11:16.
What translation should I read Romans 11:16 in?
Romans 11:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Romans 11:16?
Romans 11:16 reads (WEB): “If the first fruit is holy, so is the lump. If the root is holy, so are the branches.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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