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.
But {G235} what {G5101} saith {G3004} the answer of God {G5538} unto him {G846}? I have reserved {G2641} to myself {G1683} seven thousand {G2035} men {G435}, who {G3748} have {G2578} not {G3756} bowed {G2578} the knee {G1119} to the image of Baal {G896}.
But what is God’s answer to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not knelt down to Ba‘al.”
And what was the divine reply to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”
But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have left for myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal.
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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. -
Numbers 25:3
And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel. -
Jeremiah 19:5
They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire [for] burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake [it], neither came [it] into my mind: -
Hosea 2:8
For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, [which] they prepared for Baal. -
Judges 2:13
And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth. -
2 Kings 10:19
Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice [to do] to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did [it] in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal. -
2 Kings 10:20
And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed [it].
Commentary on Romans 11:4 (KJV)
Romans 11:4 is part of a crucial passage where the Apostle Paul addresses the question of Israel’s rejection, powerfully arguing that God has not entirely cast off His people. This verse echoes a significant Old Testament narrative, highlighting God's enduring faithfulness even in times of widespread apostasy.
Context
Paul introduces Romans 11 by posing the rhetorical question, "Hath God cast away his people?" (Romans 11:1). He then uses the example of Elijah, who, in a moment of deep despair, believed he was the only prophet of God left alive amidst rampant Baal worship in Israel. Elijah lamented to God, "I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I am left alone; and they seek my life, to take it away" (1 Kings 19:10).
Romans 11:4 presents God's direct response to Elijah's complaint, revealing that even when it seemed all hope was lost and idolatry had consumed the nation, God had secretly preserved a faithful remnant. This divine assurance served as a powerful illustration for Paul's argument that God still had a plan and a people among Israel in his own day, a "remnant according to the election of grace" (Romans 11:5).
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The name "Baal" (Hebrew: בַּעַל, *Ba'al*) literally means "lord" or "master" and refers to the chief god of the Canaanite pantheon. The act of "bowing the knee" is a universal gesture of reverence, submission, and worship. In this context, it highlights the stark contrast between devotion to the true God and homage paid to false deities. The Greek word used for "reserved" (καταλείπω, *kataleipō*) implies that God Himself set aside or left behind these individuals, emphasizing His active role in their preservation.
Practical Application
Romans 11:4 offers profound encouragement for believers today. In a world that often seems to be moving away from biblical truth and embracing various forms of modern "idolatry" (such as materialism, self-worship, or secular humanism), it can be easy to feel isolated, much like Elijah did. This verse reminds us:
This verse assures us that God sees, knows, and preserves His own, providing comfort and conviction for all who seek to live faithfully in an unfaithful world.