16 If the afirst piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are too.

17 But if some of the abranches were broken off, and byou, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the 1rich root of the olive tree,

18 do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that ait is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.

19 aYou will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.”

20 Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you astand by your faith. bDo not be conceited, but fear;

21 for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either.

22 Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s akindness, bif you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also cwill be cut off.

23 And they also, aif they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.

24 For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree?