Romans 11:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Lord {G2962}, they have killed {G615} thy {G4675} prophets {G4396}, and {G2532} digged down {G2679} thine {G4675} altars {G2379}; and I {G2504} am left {G5275} alone {G3441}, and {G2532} they seek {G2212} my {G3450} life {G5590}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Adonai, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars, and I’m the only one left, and now they want to kill me too!”

Berean Standard Bible

“Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well”?

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 11:3 presents the Apostle Paul quoting the prophet Elijah's lament to God, a poignant cry found in 1 Kings 19:10 and 19:14. This verse encapsulates Elijah's profound despair and perceived isolation during a period of intense apostasy in Israel, where he believed he was the sole remaining faithful servant of Yahweh, facing imminent death at the hands of those who had rejected God. Paul strategically employs this historical example to underscore God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, Israel, even when their unfaithfulness seems absolute, setting the stage for his argument about the preserving power of divine grace and the existence of an unseen remnant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 11 is a crucial chapter in Paul's extended argument concerning God's plan for Israel, which began in Romans 9. Having established God's sovereign election and Israel's partial hardening in Romans 9-10, Paul addresses the critical question in Romans 11:1: "Has God cast away his people?" His emphatic "God forbid!" (or "By no means!") sets the tone for the chapter. To prove God's continued faithfulness, Paul first points to himself as an Israelite, then introduces the historical precedent of Elijah's lament in 1 Kings 19. This lament, quoted in Romans 11:3, serves as a powerful illustration of a time when God's people seemed to have utterly abandoned Him, yet God still preserved a faithful remnant, a point Paul immediately highlights in the subsequent verse, [Romans 11:4](/romans/11-4 "Romans 11:4 - God's Remnant in Elijah's Day"). This historical parallel directly supports Paul's contemporary argument that even in his own day, despite widespread rejection of the Messiah, God had preserved a remnant according to the election of grace, as stated in [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - The Remnant According to Grace").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The original setting for Elijah's lament is found in [1 Kings 19](/1_kings/19 "1 Kings 19 - Elijah's Flight and God's Revelation"). This was a tumultuous period in the northern kingdom of Israel under the reign of King Ahab and his Phoenician wife, Queen Jezebel. Jezebel aggressively promoted the worship of Baal and Asherah, persecuting and killing the prophets of Yahweh (see [1 Kings 18:4](/1_kings/18-4 "1 Kings 18:4 - Jezebel's Persecution of Prophets")). Following his dramatic victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, Elijah fled into the wilderness in fear of Jezebel's threat against his life. His lament reflects the deep despair and sense of isolation he felt, believing himself to be the last remaining faithful worshipper of Yahweh in a nation consumed by idolatry. The "altars" mentioned refer to the legitimate places of worship dedicated to Yahweh, which had been torn down or desecrated, symbolizing the profound rejection of God's covenant and the eradication of true worship in favor of pagan practices.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Romans and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **persecution and suffering of God's faithful servants**, a recurring motif throughout biblical history, from the prophets to the apostles and ultimately to Christ Himself. Secondly, it underscores the **human tendency towards apostasy and idolatry**, as seen in Israel's repeated turning away from God. Thirdly, and most significantly for Paul's argument in Romans 11, it introduces the theme of **God's preserving grace and the concept of the remnant**. Despite Elijah's perception of utter desolation, God reveals that He had preserved 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal ([Romans 11:4](/romans/11-4 "Romans 11:4 - God's Answer to Elijah")). This theme is central to Paul's assertion that God has not rejected Israel entirely but has always maintained a faithful few, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, even amidst widespread unfaithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **killed (Greek, _apokteínō'_):** From *apo* (from, away) and *kteino* (to slay), this verb means "to kill outright" or "to put to death." Figuratively, it can also mean "to destroy." In Elijah's lament, it refers to the literal execution of God's prophets, highlighting the extreme hostility and violence directed against those who faithfully proclaimed Yahweh's word during the time of Ahab and Jezebel. This was not merely persecution but an active campaign to eradicate the voice of God from the land.
* **altars (Greek, _thysiastḗrion'_):** Derived from *thysia* (sacrifice), this noun refers to "a place of sacrifice," specifically an altar. In this context, it denotes the legitimate altars dedicated to Yahweh, which the apostate Israelites, under the influence of Baal worship, had "digged down" or demolished. The destruction of these altars was a deliberate act of desecration and a symbolic rejection of the covenant relationship with God, replacing true worship with idolatry.
* **life (Greek, _psychḗ'_):** This word signifies "breath," and by implication, "spirit" or "soul." It refers to the animal sentient principle, distinct from *pneuma* (the rational and immortal soul) and *zoē* (mere vitality). In Elijah's cry, "they seek my life," *psychē* refers to his very existence, indicating that his enemies were actively plotting to take his physical life. It underscores the profound danger and existential threat Elijah felt, emphasizing his vulnerability and the intensity of the persecution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lord, they have killed thy prophets":** This opening clause is a direct address to God, expressing a profound lament. It immediately establishes the dire spiritual state of Israel, where those who spoke on behalf of God—His chosen messengers—were systematically being murdered. This highlights the extreme rebellion against Yahweh and the severe consequences faced by those who remained faithful.
* **"and digged down thine altars":** This second clause describes another act of profound apostasy: the deliberate destruction or desecration of the altars dedicated to Yahweh. This was not accidental neglect but an active, hostile effort to dismantle the very infrastructure of true worship, symbolizing a complete rejection of God's covenant and an embrace of idolatry. It signifies the attempt to erase the visible signs of God's presence and worship from the land.
* **"and I am left alone":** This deeply personal statement reveals Elijah's perception of his extreme isolation. In his mind, he was the sole remaining faithful servant of Yahweh, a feeling of utter loneliness and despair amidst widespread unfaithfulness. This human cry resonates with anyone who has felt abandoned or solitary in their commitment to God in a hostile environment.
* **"and they seek my life":** The final clause expresses the immediate and existential threat facing Elijah. Not only did he feel isolated, but his life was actively being pursued by those who wished to silence him. This underscores the intensity of the persecution and the very real danger Elijah was in, making his lament not just a theological statement but a desperate plea for divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 11:3, as a direct quotation of Elijah's lament, is rich in literary devices that amplify its emotional and theological impact. The primary device is **Lament**, a common biblical form expressing sorrow, suffering, and a plea to God. Elijah's words perfectly fit this genre, conveying deep despair and a sense of abandonment. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in Elijah's declaration, "I am left alone." While his feeling of isolation was genuine and intense, God's subsequent revelation in [1 Kings 19:18](/1_kings/19-18 "1 Kings 19:18 - God's Remnant of 7,000") (and quoted in [Romans 11:4](/romans/11-4 "Romans 11:4 - God's Answer to Elijah")) reveals that God had preserved 7,000 faithful individuals, demonstrating that Elijah's perception, though understandable, was not the full reality of God's work. The phrase "digged down thine altars" employs **Symbolism**, where the physical destruction of altars represents the spiritual destruction of true worship and the covenant relationship with God. The actions described ("killed thy prophets," "digged down thine altars," "seek my life") also create a sense of **Parallelism** through their cumulative effect, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of Israel's apostasy and the threat to God's faithful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Elijah's lament in Romans 11:3 serves as a profound theological anchor for Paul's argument about God's enduring faithfulness to Israel. It highlights the tension between human perception of utter failure and God's unseen, preserving work. The lament speaks to the reality of widespread apostasy and persecution against God's people throughout history, yet it simultaneously sets the stage for the revelation of God's sovereign grace in preserving a remnant. This demonstrates that God's covenant promises are not contingent on human faithfulness alone, but on His own steadfast character. Even when it appears all hope is lost and true worship is eradicated, God always maintains a faithful few, ensuring His redemptive plan continues. This divine preservation underscores the theme of election by grace, not by works, and assures believers that God's purposes will ultimately prevail despite human rebellion and perceived setbacks.

* [1 Kings 19:10](/1_kings/19-10 "Elijah's First Lament")
* [1 Kings 19:14](/1_kings/19-14 "Elijah's Repeated Lament")
* [Romans 11:4](/romans/11-4 "God's Answer to Elijah about the Remnant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elijah's desperate cry in Romans 11:3 offers a powerful point of identification for believers today who may feel overwhelmed by the spiritual climate around them. In a world that often seems increasingly hostile to biblical truth and Christian values, it is natural to experience moments of isolation, despair, or even fear, much like Elijah. We might lament the decline of faith, the rejection of God's word, or the perceived dismantling of Christian influence. However, this verse, when read in its full context within Romans 11, provides a crucial corrective to our limited human perspective. It reminds us that even when we feel "left alone" and surrounded by opposition, God is always at work, preserving His faithful remnant. Our feelings, while valid, do not always reflect the full reality of God's unseen kingdom and His ongoing purposes. This should encourage us to persevere in faith, knowing that God hears our laments and that His plan of salvation is never thwarted, even when circumstances seem dire. Our task is to remain faithful, trusting that God knows those who are His, even if we do not.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do you sometimes feel "left alone" or isolated in your faith, similar to Elijah's lament?**
* **How does the knowledge that God always preserves a faithful remnant (even when unseen) encourage you in challenging times?**
* **What "altars" of true worship or biblical values do you see being "digged down" in your culture today, and how does this verse speak to your response?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Paul quoting Elijah's lament in Romans 11:3?**

Answer: Paul's quotation of Elijah's lament is highly significant because it serves as a powerful historical parallel to his contemporary argument in [Romans 11](/romans/11 "Romans 11 - God's Unfailing Plan for Israel"). Elijah's experience of feeling utterly alone amidst widespread apostasy in Israel (as detailed in [1 Kings 19](/1_kings/19 "1 Kings 19 - Elijah's Flight and God's Revelation")) perfectly illustrates Paul's point: even when it seems God's people have completely abandoned Him, God has always preserved a faithful remnant. Just as God revealed to Elijah that 7,000 had not bowed to Baal ([Romans 11:4](/romans/11-4 "Romans 11:4 - God's Answer to Elijah")), so too in Paul's day, despite Israel's partial hardening to the Gospel, God had preserved a remnant according to His grace ([Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - The Remnant According to Grace")). This demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when human unfaithfulness seems overwhelming.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Elijah's lament in Romans 11:3, while a cry of human despair, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Elijah, as a prophet of God, experienced intense persecution, isolation, and a threat to his life for faithfully proclaiming God's truth and upholding true worship. This foreshadows the ultimate prophet, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the faithful servant of God yet faced unparalleled rejection and hostility from His own people. Just as Elijah's altars were "digged down," Jesus, the true temple and ultimate sacrifice, saw the spiritual "altars" of His people desecrated by hypocrisy and legalism, culminating in His own rejection and crucifixion outside the city walls (see [Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")). Jesus Himself experienced an ultimate sense of abandonment, crying out "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" on the cross (as recorded in [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). He was truly "left alone" by His disciples and faced the seeking of His life by those who plotted His death (see [John 11:53](/john/11-53 "John 11:53 - From That Day On They Plotted to Put Him to Death")). Yet, unlike Elijah's perceived isolation, Christ's suffering was a singular, redemptive act, fulfilling all prophecy and establishing the new covenant. His "life" was not merely sought but willingly given as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world (as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, Elijah's lament, a poignant human cry, points forward to the divine suffering and ultimate triumph of Christ, who, through His death and resurrection, secured the true remnant of God's people from every nation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 19:10

And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

1 Kings 19:18

Yet I have left [me] seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

1 Kings 18:4

For it was [so], when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)

1 Kings 18:30

And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD [that was] broken down.

1 Kings 18:31

And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name:

Nehemiah 9:26

Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.

Jeremiah 2:30

In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.