¹⁷ If some of the branches have been broken off,^(A) and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others^(B) 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.^{(C) 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.^(D) Do not be arrogant,^(E) but tremble.^{(F) 21} For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.

²² Consider therefore the kindness^(G) and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue^(H) in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.^{(I) 23} And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.^{(J) 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,^(K) how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!