### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word κατάλοιπος (katáloipos), Strong's `{{G2645}}`, is a compound term derived from the preposition κατά (katá), meaning "down" or "against" (often intensifying), and λοιπός (loipós), meaning "remaining" or "the rest" (from λείπω (leípō), "to leave"). Literally, it signifies something "left down" or "left behind." Its core meaning denotes that which remains after a larger portion has been removed, consumed, or passed away. Semantically, κατάλοιπος primarily refers to a "remnant," "residue," or "the rest," often carrying the nuance of a surviving group or a preserved portion. In theological contexts, it frequently implies a specific, often divinely ordained, preservation, distinct from a mere numerical remainder.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κατάλοιπος (katáloipos) appears notably in the New Testament in a context of profound theological significance, particularly concerning the "remnant" of God's people.
* **[[Acts 15:17]]**: This is the primary occurrence of κατάλοιπος in the New Testament. During the Jerusalem Council, James quotes from Amos 9:12 (via the Septuagint, the Greek Old Testament) to support the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community: "that the rest (κατάλοιποι) of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things known from of old." Here, κατάλοιποι refers to "the rest of mankind" or "the remnant of humanity," specifically identifying the Gentiles who turn to the Lord as part of God's eschatological plan. This passage is crucial for understanding the continuity of God's covenant purposes, demonstrating that the inclusion of Gentiles is not an innovation but a fulfillment of ancient prophecy concerning a divinely preserved and called remnant that extends beyond ethnic Israel. The Septuagint's use of κατάλοιποι to translate the Hebrew concept of a remnant in Amos 9:12 underscores a divine intention to preserve a group, not just from Israel, but from all nations, to seek Him.
The concept of a "remnant" is deeply embedded in the Old Testament prophetic tradition (e.g., Isaiah 10:20-22, Jeremiah 23:3, Zechariah 8:6). While the Hebrew terms vary (e.g., `{{H7604}}` *she'ar*, `{{H7611}}` *she'erith*, `{{H3499}}` *yether*), the Septuagint often employs κατάλοιπος or related terms like λοιπός (loipós) to convey this profound theological idea of a chosen and preserved few.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **λοιπός (loipós) `{{G3062}}`**: This is the base word for "remaining" or "the rest." κατάλοιπος intensifies or specifies this "remaining" as a "residue" or "remnant," often with a more profound, theological implication of divine preservation.
* **ὑπόλειμμα (hypoleimma) `{{G5275}}` / ὑπολείπω (hypoleipō) `{{G5277}}`**: These terms also convey the idea of "that which is left behind" or "a remnant." They are often used synonymously with κατάλοιπος in the Septuagint to translate various Hebrew words for "remnant." For example, Romans 9:27, quoting Isaiah 10:22 concerning the remnant of Israel, uses ὑπόλειμμα.
* **Remnant Theology**: This is a major theological concept throughout biblical literature, especially in the Old Testament prophets. It speaks of a faithful minority whom God preserves through judgment, through whom His covenant promises are fulfilled and His redemptive plan advances. This remnant is not merely those who survive, but those divinely chosen and preserved for a specific purpose.
* **Divine Preservation**: The concept inherently points to God's active role in preserving a portion, even amidst widespread apostasy, destruction, or judgment. It highlights His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His sovereign ability to maintain a people for Himself.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κατάλοιπος is inseparable from the biblical doctrine of the "remnant." It powerfully speaks to God's unwavering faithfulness, His sovereign election, and the expansive nature of His redemptive plan.
* **God's Faithfulness Amidst Judgment**: The existence of a κατάλοιπος demonstrates that even when a nation (like Israel) faces divine judgment due to unfaithfulness, God preserves a faithful core. This ensures that God's ultimate plans for redemption are not thwarted by human sin or rebellion.
* **Election and Grace**: The concept of the remnant is a profound testament to God's gracious election. Those who constitute the κατάλοιπος are not preserved based on their own merit or works, but solely by God's sovereign choice and grace, as affirmed in Romans 11:5, which speaks of a "remnant chosen by grace."
* **Inclusion of Gentiles**: As vividly presented in [[Acts 15:17]], the concept of the κατάλοιπος expands to include the Gentiles. "The rest of mankind" who seek the Lord are part of this broader, divinely purposed remnant. This signifies the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, breaking down ethnic and national barriers and demonstrating that salvation is for all who, by grace, call upon the Lord.
* **Continuity of God's Plan**: The κατάλοιπος ensures the continuity of God's covenant promises and His redemptive history. It is through this preserved group that the Messianic line is maintained, the Gospel is proclaimed, and God's kingdom ultimately expands to encompass all nations.
### Summary
κατάλοιπος (katáloipos), Strong's `{{G2645}}`, denotes that which is "left behind" or "remaining," specifically a "remnant" or "residue." In the New Testament, its theological weight is significant, particularly in [[Acts 15:17]]. There, quoting the Septuagint of Amos, it signifies a divinely preserved group that extends beyond ethnic Israel to include "the rest of mankind"—the Gentiles—who turn to the Lord. This term underscores the profound biblical doctrine of the remnant, highlighting God's sovereign faithfulness, His gracious election, and the universal scope of His redemptive plan. It powerfully conveys that despite human failure or widespread apostasy, God always preserves a faithful portion through whom His eternal purposes will be fulfilled, ensuring the continuity of His covenant and the expansion of His kingdom to all who believe.
TRV