from καταλείπω; a remainder, i.e. (by implication) a few:--remnant.
Transliteration:katáleimma
Pronunciation:kat-al'-ime-mah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
*Katáleimma* (`{{G2640}}`) is a Greek noun derived from the verb *kataleípō* (`{{G2641}}`), which means "to leave behind," "to abandon," or "to reserve." As a noun, *katáleimma* therefore signifies "that which is left behind," "a remainder," or "a residue." Its core meaning revolves around the concept of a "remnant," specifically a small portion that has been preserved or reserved out of a larger group, often in the aftermath of destruction, judgment, or sifting. The nuance of "a few" in its base definition underscores that this remainder is typically small in number but profoundly significant in its purpose and divine preservation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *katáleimma* (`{{G2640}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, both instances occurring within Romans 9, where the Apostle Paul extensively discusses God's sovereign election and faithfulness concerning Israel.
1. **[[Romans 9:27]]:** "Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel: 'Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a *remnant* will be saved.'" Here, Paul directly quotes from the Septuagint (LXX) version of [[Isaiah 10:22]]. The use of *katáleimma* emphasizes that despite the vast numerical promises made to Abraham regarding his descendants, God's salvation would apply to only a select, preserved portion of Israel. This highlights the qualitative nature of God's saving work, distinguishing between physical descent and spiritual election.
2. **[[Romans 9:29]]:** "And just as Isaiah foretold, 'Unless the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a posterity, we would have become like Sodom, and would have resembled Gomorrah.'" While this verse uses *spérma* (`{{G4690}}`, "seed" or "posterity") rather than *katáleimma*, it is drawn from [[Isaiah 1:9]] (LXX) and functions as a parallel concept. Paul's immediate juxtaposition of [[Romans 9:27]] and [[Romans 9:29]] underscores the consistent Old Testament prophetic theme: God's mercy ensures that a core group, a "remnant" or "seed," is always preserved, preventing total destruction and ensuring the continuation of His covenant purposes. The context in Romans 9 is crucial, as Paul uses the concept of the remnant to explain why not all Israel is saved, thereby defending God's faithfulness and justice.
The Old Testament background of the "remnant" (Hebrew: *she'ar* `{{H7604}}` or *she'erit* `{{H7611}}`) is foundational for understanding *katáleimma*. This concept permeates prophetic literature (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos), often referring to those who survive divine judgment, a faithful minority preserved during apostasy, or those through whom God's redemptive plan will be fulfilled.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **καταλείπω (kataleípō, `{{G2641}}`):** The verbal root of *katáleimma*, meaning "to leave behind." This direct etymological link reinforces the noun's meaning of "that which is left."
* **σπέρμα (spérma, `{{G4690}}`):** "Seed" or "offspring." As seen in [[Romans 9:29]], this term is used synonymously with the concept of a remnant, emphasizing a preserved posterity that ensures continuity and future growth, particularly in the context of covenant promises.
* **ὑπόλειμμα (hypóleimma, `{{G5276}}`):** Another Greek word for "remnant" or "residue," also derived from a verb meaning "to leave behind" (*hypoleípō*). While distinct, it shares a similar semantic range with *katáleimma*, both conveying the idea of a preserved remainder.
* **Old Testament "Remnant" (Hebrew: שְׁאָר *she'ar* `{{H7604}}`, שְׁאֵרִית *she'erit* `{{H7611}}`):** This is the ultimate conceptual antecedent. The prophetic tradition frequently highlights a faithful minority chosen by God's grace to survive judgment and carry forward His redemptive purposes. This remnant is not merely a group of survivors but a divinely chosen and preserved group through whom God's covenant promises are sustained.
### Theological Significance
The concept of *katáleimma* carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Election:** The existence of a remnant powerfully underscores God's sovereign right to choose whom He will save. Salvation is not based on human merit, numerical strength, or ethnic identity, but solely on God's gracious and electing will, as clearly articulated in [[Romans 9]].
* **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant:** Despite human unfaithfulness, widespread apostasy, or divine judgment, God consistently preserves a remnant. This demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His determination to fulfill His redemptive plan, ensuring that His purposes for Israel and humanity will ultimately prevail.
* **Hope Amidst Judgment:** The remnant provides a beacon of hope. Even in periods of severe judgment or national decline, God does not completely abandon His people. A faithful few are preserved, through whom new life, restoration, and the continuation of the divine mission can emerge.
* **The Nature of True Israel:** Paul utilizes *katáleimma* to clarify the identity of "true Israel" in the New Covenant. It is not merely those who are physically descended from Abraham, but rather those whom God has graciously chosen and preserved by faith in Christ, irrespective of their ethnic background. This understanding paves the way for the inclusion of Gentiles into God's people and illuminates the ongoing mystery of Israel's salvation.
### Summary
*Katáleimma* (`{{G2640}}`) denotes "that which is left behind," specifically a "remnant," signifying a small, divinely preserved portion. Its two New Testament occurrences in [[Romans 9:27]] and implicitly in [[Romans 9:29]] are central to Paul's exposition on God's sovereign election and faithfulness to Israel. Drawing deeply from the Old Testament concept of the "remnant" (Hebrew: *she'ar*, *she'erit*), this word highlights that despite widespread unfaithfulness or judgment, God graciously preserves a chosen few. Theologically, *katáleimma* underscores God's absolute sovereignty in election, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, and the profound hope that persists amidst judgment. It also serves to define the true spiritual identity of God's people, demonstrating that salvation is by grace through divine choice, not by human merit or numerical strength.
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