Remnant
Category
Future, Judgment, & Kingdom
Biblical Definition
The portion of a people preserved by God through judgment so that His promises continue and His purposes move forward.
Origin(s)
Hebrew: שְׁאָר / שְׁאֵרִית; Greek: λεῖμμα
Transliteration
šĕʾār; šĕʾērît; leimma
Literal meaning
remainder, survivors, remnant
Key Scripture(s)
Isaiah 10:20-22; Isaiah 11:11,16; Micah 5:7-8; Ezra 9:8; Romans 9:27; Romans 11:5
Theological Significance
The remnant theme shows that divine judgment never nullifies divine promise. Even when a nation is cut down, God preserves a faithful people through whom His covenant purposes continue, highlighting both His severity and His mercy.
Common Misunderstanding(s)
Remnant does not mean a spiritually superior elite who preserve themselves. In Scripture the remnant exists because God mercifully preserves them.
Practical Application
This word encourages perseverance by reminding believers that God remains faithful even in times of widespread decline.