¹⁶ For if ^(A)the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches.

^18 (A)Of His own will He brought us forth by the ^(B)word of truth, ^(C)that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

⁴ These are the ones who were not defiled with women, ^(A)for they are virgins. These are the ones ^(B)who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These ^(C)were ^[a]redeemed from among men, ^(D)being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.