King James Version

What Does Romans 11:4 Mean?

Romans 11:4 in the King James Version says “But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to ...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Romans 11:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Read Romans 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But what saith the answer of God unto him? (ho chrēmatismos, ὁ χρηματισμός)—the noun denotes a divine oracle or authoritative response. God corrects Elijah's despair with stunning revelation: I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. The verb kateleipsa (κατέλειψα, "reserved") emphasizes God's sovereign preservation. These 7,000 were not self-preserved faithful; God Himself kept them from apostasy.

The number seven thousand may be literal or symbolize completeness (7 × 1,000), but the point is clear: Elijah dramatically underestimated God's work. The phrase who have not bowed the knee (oitines ou kamptō to gony) uses the definite article tē Baal (τῇ Βάαλ), treating the feminine noun as masculine to express contempt. Baal worship involved physical prostration; these 7,000 refused idolatrous compromise. Paul's argument: just as God preserved a remnant then, He preserves one now.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Baal was the Canaanite storm god whose worship included fertility rituals. Jezebel, daughter of the Sidonian king, imported this cult systematically. The phrase 'bowed the knee' refers to the posture of worship—these 7,000 maintained exclusive Yahweh worship despite intense cultural and political pressure to syncretize or apostatize.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's preservation of 7,000 challenge Elijah's (and our) tendency to view situations through limited human perspective?
  2. What does it mean that God 'reserved' these believers—what does this teach about divine sovereignty in preservation?
  3. Who are the hidden faithful in your context that God may be preserving despite outward appearances of spiritual decline?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ἀλλὰ1 of 16

“But”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τί2 of 16

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

λέγει3 of 16

“saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ4 of 16

“unto him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὁ5 of 16
G3588

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

χρηματισμός6 of 16

“the answer of God”

G5538

a divine response or revelation

Κατέλιπον7 of 16

“I have reserved”

G2641

to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining

ἐμαυτῷ8 of 16

“to myself”

G1683

of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>

ἑπτακισχιλίους9 of 16

“seven thousand”

G2035

seven times a thousand

ἄνδρας10 of 16

“men”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

οἵτινες11 of 16

“who”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

οὐκ12 of 16

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔκαμψαν13 of 16

“bowed”

G2578

to bend

γόνυ14 of 16

“the knee”

G1119

the "knee"

τῇ15 of 16
G3588

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

Βάαλ16 of 16

“to the image of Baal”

G896

baal, a phoenician deity (used as a symbol of idolatry)

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 11:4 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 11:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 19:18Numbers 25:32 Kings 10:19-20Zephaniah 1:4Judges 2:13Hosea 13:1

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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