²³ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,^(A) groan^(B) inwardly as we wait eagerly^(C) for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.^(D)

¹⁷ Every good and perfect gift is from above,^(A) coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,^(B) who does not change^(C) like shifting shadows. ¹⁸ He chose to give us birth^(D) through the word of truth,^(E) that we might be a kind of firstfruits^(F) of all he created.