Romans 11:16

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

εἰ if G1487
εἰ if
Strong's: G1487
Word #: 1 of 16
if, whether, that, etc
δὲ For G1161
δὲ For
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 16
but, and, etc
ἡ G3588
ἡ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπαρχὴ the firstfruit G536
ἀπαρχὴ the firstfruit
Strong's: G536
Word #: 4 of 16
a beginning of sacrifice, i.e., the (jewish) first-fruit (figuratively)
ἁγία be holy G40
ἁγία be holy
Strong's: G40
Word #: 5 of 16
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
καὶ holy and G2532
καὶ holy and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 6 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φύραμα· the lump G5445
φύραμα· the lump
Strong's: G5445
Word #: 8 of 16
perhaps akin to g5453 through the idea of swelling in bulk), mean to knead; a mass of dough
καὶ holy and G2532
καὶ holy and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 9 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰ if G1487
εἰ if
Strong's: G1487
Word #: 10 of 16
if, whether, that, etc
ἡ G3588
ἡ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ῥίζα the root G4491
ῥίζα the root
Strong's: G4491
Word #: 12 of 16
a "root" (literally or figuratively)
ἁγία be holy G40
ἁγία be holy
Strong's: G40
Word #: 13 of 16
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
καὶ holy and G2532
καὶ holy and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 14 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ G3588
οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 15 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κλάδοι are the branches G2798
κλάδοι are the branches
Strong's: G2798
Word #: 16 of 16
a twig or bough (as if broken off)

Analysis & Commentary

For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy—aparche (ἀπαρχή, "firstfruit") refers to the firstfruits offering (Numbers 15:17-21). When the first portion is consecrated, the whole batch shares that holiness. Paul likely refers to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) as the firstfruit, making their descendants (the lump, phyrama, φύραμα) holy—set apart to God. Alternatively, the Jewish remnant (vv. 1-5) could be the firstfruit, guaranteeing the future salvation of the whole.

The second metaphor reinforces this: and if the root be holy, so are the branches (rizā, ῥίζα, "root"). The root is the patriarchs; the branches are their descendants. Paul establishes covenant continuity: God's election of the fathers guarantees His faithfulness to their children. This sets up the olive tree metaphor (vv. 17-24). The holiness Paul speaks of is covenantal, not necessarily salvific for every individual—but it means God has not abandoned Israel corporately.

Historical Context

The firstfruits offering symbolized consecrating the entire harvest to God. By extension, the patriarchs' election consecrated the nation. This covenantal holiness explains God's ongoing commitment despite Israel's unfaithfulness—He remains faithful to His sworn promises (Deuteronomy 7:7-8).

Questions for Reflection

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