^{16 Ref} For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.

^{17 Ref} And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

^{18 Ref} Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

^{19 Ref} Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.

^{20 Ref} Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

^{21 Ref} For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

^{22 Ref} Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

^{23 Ref} And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.

^{24 Ref} For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?