King James Version

What Does Romans 11:3 Mean?

Romans 11:3 in the King James Version says “Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. — study this verse from Romans chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.

Romans 11:3 · KJV


Context

1

I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid . For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

2

God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, of Elias: Gr. in Elias?

3

Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.

4

But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.

5

Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul quotes Elijah's complaint verbatim from 1 Kings 19:10, 14 (LXX): Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. The verb for "killed" is apekteinan (ἀπέκτειναν), indicating completed action—the prophets were systematically murdered. The phrase monos hypoleiphthen (μόνος ὑπολείφθην, "I alone am left") expresses Elijah's sense of being the sole survivor, the last faithful Israelite.

This dramatic cry reveals the prophet's emotional and spiritual exhaustion. He believed not only that he was alone, but that Israel was actively seeking his death (zētousin tēn psychēn mou, ζητοῦσιν τὴν ψυχήν μου). The torn-down altars symbolized covenant violation, since God commanded these worship sites. Elijah's isolation felt absolute—but God's response (next verse) will shatter this perception. Paul includes this to show that even prophets can misjudge the extent of apostasy.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jezebel's persecution (1 Kings 18:4, 13) had indeed killed many prophets of Yahweh. Obadiah hid 100 prophets in caves, suggesting systematic state-sponsored violence. The altars referenced may be the one on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:30) that Elijah repaired, or local altars Jezebel destroyed to establish Baal worship exclusively.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Elijah's emotional state affect his perception of reality, and what does this teach about discerning God's work in dark times?
  2. What is the spiritual danger of believing you are the only faithful believer remaining?
  3. How might persecution and isolation distort our view of God's faithfulness to preserve His people?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
Κύριε1 of 18

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

τοὺς2 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

προφήτας3 of 18

prophets

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

σου4 of 18

thine

G4675

of thee, thy

ἀπέκτειναν5 of 18

they have killed

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

καὶ6 of 18

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὰ7 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θυσιαστήριά8 of 18

altars

G2379

a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)

σου9 of 18

thine

G4675

of thee, thy

κατέσκαψαν10 of 18

digged down

G2679

to undermine, i.e., (by implication) destroy

κἀγὼ11 of 18

and I

G2504

so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.

ὑπελείφθην12 of 18

am left

G5275

to leave under (behind), i.e., (passively) to remain (survive)

μόνος13 of 18

alone

G3441

remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere

καὶ14 of 18

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ζητοῦσιν15 of 18

they seek

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

τὴν16 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ψυχήν17 of 18

life

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

μου18 of 18

my

G3450

of me


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 11:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 11:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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