²³ and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.^(A)

¹⁶ If the part of the dough offered as first fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; and if the root is holy, then the branches also are holy.

²⁰ But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.^[a](A)

²³ But each in its own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.

¹⁸ In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave birth to us by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.^(A)