New Testament

Romans 11:4

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, God responds to Elijah, who felt alone in his faith and believed that he was the only one remaining faithful to Him.

Author: Paul the apostle
Written: Around AD 57
Genre: Letter (epistle)
Original Audience: Christians in Rome

CBTClear Bible Translation

But what was God's answer to him? 'I have reserved for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.'

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God responds to Elijah, who felt alone in his faith and believed that he was the only one remaining faithful to Him. God reassures Elijah that He has preserved a remnant of 7,000 people in Israel who have not worshipped Baal, a false god. This indicates that even in times of widespread unfaithfulness, God maintains a group of faithful followers. The number seven thousand symbolizes completeness and divine preservation. This verse highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to keep a faithful remnant, even when it seems like everyone else has turned away. It serves as a reminder that God is always in control and has not abandoned His people, even when they feel isolated or overwhelmed by the culture around them.

Key themes

Sovereignty of God

Related Bible verses

How to apply Romans 11:4 to your life

When feeling alone in your faith, remember that God always has a faithful remnant. Seek out community with other believers who share your values and convictions. Trust that God is at work, even when it seems like faith is scarce around you.

Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Romans 11:4 mean?

Romans 11:4 means that God reassured Elijah that he was not alone in his faith. God had preserved a remnant of 7,000 people in Israel who remained faithful and did not worship Baal, showing that even in times of widespread unfaithfulness, God maintains a group of true followers.

What is the significance of the number seven thousand in Romans 11:4?

The number seven thousand in Romans 11:4 symbolizes completeness and divine preservation. It indicates that God has a significant number of faithful followers, even when it seems like everyone else has turned away from Him.

How does Romans 11:4 relate to feelings of isolation in faith?

Romans 11:4 relates to feelings of isolation by reminding believers that they are not alone. God has always preserved a remnant of faithful followers, encouraging those who feel overwhelmed by a culture of unfaithfulness.

What does God’s answer in Romans 11:4 reveal about His character?

God's answer in Romans 11:4 reveals His faithfulness and sovereignty. It shows that He actively preserves a group of believers, demonstrating His commitment to His people even in challenging times.

Book Summary

The Book of Romans

Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness

Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.

Paul says he is ready to preach the gospel in Rome and declares he is not ashamed of it, because it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. He states that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith. He then describes the wrath of God revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth. He says people know God through creation, yet they do not glorify him as God. Their thinking becomes empty, and their foolish heart is darkened. They exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for images of corruptible creatures. God gives them over to uncleanness, dishonorable passions, and a reprobate mind. They fill themselves with all manner of unrighteousness and continue in these things while approving others who do the same. Romans 2: God's Righteous Judgment Paul addresses a person who judges others and says that anyone who judges commits the same kinds of sins. He warns that God's judgment is according to truth and that those who continue in evil will not escape. He explains that God will render to every man according to his deeds: eternal life to those who continue in well-doing, and indignation and wrath to those who obey unrighteousness. He says there is no respect of persons with God. Gentiles who sin without the law perish without the law, and Jews who sin under the law are judged by the law.

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