Romans 11:16

The first piece of dough (firstfruits) describes the believing remnant in Israel now, Christian Jews. The "lump" or "batch" refers to the whole nation, Israel. God has consecrated both groups to Himself.

The root and branches must refer to the Abrahamic Covenant and the believing and unbelieving Gentiles and Jews respectively in view of how Paul proceeded to develop this illustration in Romans 11:17-24. [Note: See J. Dwight Pentecost, Thy Kingdom Come, p. 286.] Moo saw the root as the patriarchs and God’s promises to them. [Note: Moo, p. 698.]