Romans 11:3
Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.
Original Language Analysis
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
1 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφήτας
prophets
G4396
προφήτας
prophets
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
3 of 18
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
ἀπέκτειναν
they have killed
G615
ἀπέκτειναν
they have killed
Strong's:
G615
Word #:
5 of 18
to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θυσιαστήριά
altars
G2379
θυσιαστήριά
altars
Strong's:
G2379
Word #:
8 of 18
a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)
κατέσκαψαν
digged down
G2679
κατέσκαψαν
digged down
Strong's:
G2679
Word #:
10 of 18
to undermine, i.e., (by implication) destroy
κἀγὼ
and I
G2504
κἀγὼ
and I
Strong's:
G2504
Word #:
11 of 18
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
ὑπελείφθην
am left
G5275
ὑπελείφθην
am left
Strong's:
G5275
Word #:
12 of 18
to leave under (behind), i.e., (passively) to remain (survive)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ζητοῦσιν
they seek
G2212
ζητοῦσιν
they seek
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
15 of 18
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Elijah's emotional state affect his perception of reality, and what does this teach about discerning God's work in dark times?
- What is the spiritual danger of believing you are the only faithful believer remaining?
- How might persecution and isolation distort our view of God's faithfulness to preserve His people?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.