¹⁶ If the first part of the dough is holy, so is the whole batch. If the root is holy, so are the branches.

¹⁷ Now if some of the branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive branch, have been grafted in their place to share the rich root of the olive tree, ¹⁸ do not boast about being better than^[a] the other^[b] branches. If you boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. ¹⁹ Then you will say, “Branches were cut off so that I could be grafted in.” ²⁰ That’s right! They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you remain only because of faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid!^{[c] 21} For if God did not spare the natural branches, he certainly will not spare you, either.

²² Consider, then, the kindness and severity of God: his severity toward those who fell, but God’s kindness toward you—if you continue receiving his kindness. Otherwise, you too will be cut off. ²³ If the Jews^[d] do not persist in their unbelief, they will be grafted in again, because God is able to graft them in. ²⁴ After all, if you were cut off from what is naturally a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much easier it will be for these natural branches to be grafted back into their own olive tree!