### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun λεῖμμα (leîmma, `{{G3005}}`) derives directly from the verb λείπω (leípō, `{{G3007}}`), which means "to leave," "to leave behind," "to be lacking," or "to fail." Consequently, λεῖμμα intrinsically signifies "that which is left behind," "a remainder," or "a residue." Its most common and fitting English translation is "remnant." This term carries the semantic weight of a preserved portion, often implying a small group that has survived a larger whole, particularly in the face of judgment, destruction, or widespread defection. It speaks to a remaining part that endures, often by divine design or intervention, when a larger entity has been diminished or lost.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun λεῖμμα (leîmma, `{{G3005}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans:
* [[Romans 9:27]]: "And Isaiah 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.'"
In this pivotal passage, Paul is engaged in a profound theological discourse concerning God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly regarding Israel. He quotes from the Septuagint (LXX) version of [[Isaiah 10:22]], where the same Greek word λεῖμμα is used. The context in Romans 9 is crucial: Paul explains that not all who are descended from Israel are truly Israel ([[Romans 9:6]]). Despite God's original promise to Abraham and the vast numbers of his descendants, only a select "remnant" from within physical Israel will attain salvation. This "remnant" refers to those Jews who, by God's sovereign choice and grace, have believed in Jesus as the Messiah. Paul uses this Old Testament prophecy to demonstrate that God's plan of salvation has always involved a selective principle, preserving a faithful few even amidst the unfaithfulness of the majority. The use of λεῖμμα here highlights divine election and the specific, limited scope of salvation within ethnic Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verb from which λεῖμμα (leîmma, `{{G3005}}`) is derived: λείπω (leípō, `{{G3007}}`), meaning "to leave behind" or "to be lacking." This etymological connection reinforces the idea of something left over or remaining.
More significantly, λεῖμμα directly connects to the robust Old Testament concept of the "remnant." This concept is a major prophetic theme, often expressed by Hebrew terms such as שְׁאָר (sh'ar, `{{H7611}}`), יֶתֶר (yeter, `{{H3499}}`), or פְּלֵיטָה (pelêtah, `{{H6486}}`). Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Micah frequently spoke of a righteous remnant that would survive divine judgment (e.g., [[Isaiah 10:20-23]], [[Jeremiah 23:3]], [[Ezekiel 6:8]], [[Micah 2:12]]). This remnant was not merely a group that physically survived, but one preserved by God for His redemptive purposes, often becoming the seed for future restoration and blessing.
The concept of the remnant is intrinsically linked to:
* **Divine Election:** God's sovereign choice of a specific people or group for His purposes.
* **Divine Faithfulness:** God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, even when human beings are unfaithful.
* **Salvation:** The remnant is the portion of humanity (or Israel) that receives God's saving grace.
* **Judgment:** The remnant often emerges from a context of widespread judgment, highlighting God's justice and mercy.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of λεῖμμα (leîmma, `{{G3005}}`) is profound, especially as it is employed by Paul in Romans.
1. **Divine Sovereignty in Salvation:** The existence of a "remnant" underscores that salvation is not a mass phenomenon determined by human lineage or effort, but a result of God's sovereign election and grace ([[Romans 9:11-16]]). God's choice determines who constitutes the remnant, demonstrating His freedom and power in bestowing mercy.
2. **Continuity of God's Redemptive Plan:** Paul's use of λεῖμμα, directly quoting from Isaiah, establishes a crucial continuity between God's work in the Old Testament and His present activity. It shows that the principle of a chosen few, preserved by God, has always been part of His plan, even as salvation is now extended to the Gentiles. This refutes the idea that God has completely abandoned Israel.
3. **Distinction within Israel:** The concept of the remnant necessitates a distinction between physical Israel (all descendants of Jacob) and true spiritual Israel (those within physical Israel who are God's chosen by faith). As Paul states, "For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel" ([[Romans 9:6]]). The remnant represents the true Israel, those who fulfill the spiritual intent of the covenant.
4. **Hope Amidst Unbelief and Judgment:** The remnant theology offers a message of hope. Even when the majority of a people (in this case, Israel) reject God's Messiah, God does not abandon His promises entirely. He preserves a faithful core, ensuring that His redemptive purposes will ultimately be fulfilled through this preserved group. This offers solace and assurance that God's plans will never be thwarted by human rebellion.
### Summary
λεῖμμα (leîmma, `{{G3005}}`) signifies "that which is left over," "a remainder," or specifically "a remnant." Its single New Testament occurrence in [[Romans 9:27]] is a direct quotation from the Septuagint of [[Isaiah 10:22]], underscoring the continuity of the Old Testament prophetic concept of the remnant. In Paul's argument, this "remnant" refers to the believing portion of ethnic Israel, chosen by God's grace for salvation. Theologically, λεῖμμα highlights God's sovereign election, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises despite widespread human unfaithfulness, and the distinction between physical and spiritual Israel. It conveys the profound truth that God always preserves a faithful core for His redemptive purposes, offering hope even in times of widespread apostasy or judgment.
TRV