masculine plural of a derivative of λείπω; remaining ones:--other, which remain, remnant, residue, rest.
Transliteration:loipoí
Pronunciation:loy-poy'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word λοιποί (loipoí), transliterated as "loipoí," is the masculine plural form of a derivative of the verb λείπω (leípō), meaning "to leave," "to be left behind," or "to remain." At its most fundamental level, λοιποί denotes "the remaining ones," "the rest," or "those who are left." Its semantic range is highly dependent on context, encompassing:
1. **Numerical Remainder:** Simply referring to the balance or remainder of a group after some have been specified or removed. This use is often neutral.
2. **Qualitative Distinction:** Highlighting a group that is distinct from a previously mentioned set, often with an implied judgment or separation. This can carry negative connotations, referring to those who are *not* included in a favored group, or who are subject to a particular fate.
3. **Temporal or Concluding Reference:** In its adverbial form (λοιπόν, loipón), it can mean "finally," "henceforth," or "for the rest (of the time/matter)," but λοιποί specifically refers to people or things that remain.
The core idea is always that of something or someone being "left over" after an initial action, count, or classification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term λοιποί appears frequently in the New Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Descriptive/Neutral Use:** In many instances, λοιποί simply refers to the other members of a group without inherent positive or negative judgment. For example, after Jesus calls certain disciples, [[Matthew 4:21]] states that James and John left their father with "the rest" (τοὺς λοιποὺς) of the hired servants. Similarly, in [[Luke 24:9]], the women reported to the eleven apostles "and to all the rest" (τοῖς λοιποῖς πᾶσιν), indicating the wider body of disciples.
* **Exclusionary/Judgmental Use:** This usage is particularly prominent in eschatological and prophetic contexts, especially in the book of Revelation. Here, λοιποί often designates those who are *not* part of the elect, or who face divine judgment. For instance, [[Revelation 9:20]] speaks of "the rest of mankind" (οἱ λοιποὶ τῶν ἀνθρώπων) who were not killed by the plagues but still refused to repent. Likewise, [[Revelation 19:21]] describes how "the rest" (οἱ λοιποὶ) were killed by the sword of the rider on the white horse. In these contexts, λοιποί carries a heavy connotation of those left outside of God's mercy or protection.
* **Distinguishing Believers from Non-Believers:** Paul uses λοιποί to distinguish Christians from the broader world. In [[1 Thessalonians 4:13]], he instructs believers not to grieve "as the rest" (οἱ λοιποὶ), referring to unbelievers who have no hope concerning the dead. This highlights the unique hope and perspective that faith in Christ provides.
* **Ethical Exhortation:** While often appearing in its adverbial form (λοιπόν), the concept of "the rest" can also apply to the remaining aspects of one's life or conduct. In [[Philippians 4:8]], Paul exhorts believers, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Here, "the rest" of one's thoughts and actions should align with these virtues.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of λοιποί is rich and interconnected with other Greek terms and Old Testament concepts:
* **From the same root:**
* λείπω (leípō, G3007): The verb "to leave," "to lack," from which λοιποί derives.
* ὑπολείπω (hypoleípō, G5277): "to leave behind," "to cause to remain."
* καταλείπω (kataleípō, G2641): "to leave behind," "to forsake."
* λοιπόν (loipón, G3063): The adverbial form, often translated "finally," "henceforth," or "for the rest."
* **Conceptual Synonyms/Parallels:**
* ὑπόλοιπος (hypóloipos, G5276): An adjective meaning "remaining," "left over."
* περισσεύω (perisseúō, G4052): "to abound," "to be left over," though often with a positive connotation of surplus.
* **Old Testament Connections (Remnant Theology):**
* The concept of "the remnant" is crucial in Old Testament prophecy, often translated from Hebrew words like שְׁאָר (she'ār, `{{H7604}}`) or יֶתֶר (yeter, `{{H3499}}`). While λοιποί is not the primary Septuagint translation for "remnant" (which is often κατάλειμμα or ὑπόλειμμα), it frequently functions in a similar theological capacity in the New Testament to denote a distinct group, whether saved or condemned. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Amos often spoke of a "remnant" who would survive judgment and return to God. In the New Testament, λοιποί can refer to those who are *not* the chosen remnant, or conversely, in some contexts, implicitly to the remnant itself by distinguishing them from "the rest."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of λοιποί lies primarily in its capacity to delineate and distinguish groups, often in relation to divine action and human response:
1. **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty:** In its judgmental usage, particularly in Revelation, λοιποί underscores God's absolute sovereignty in judgment. It highlights that even after severe divine interventions, there remains a group of humanity that refuses to repent, thereby sealing their own condemnation. This emphasizes the finality and righteousness of God's wrath upon the unrepentant.
2. **The Remnant and Election:** While not exclusively denoting the "remnant," λοιποί often serves to define those *outside* of God's elect. By distinguishing "the rest" from the chosen few, it implicitly affirms the doctrine of election and the specific grace extended to those who believe. It reminds us that not all humanity will embrace salvation, and God's plan unfolds through a chosen people.
3. **The Distinctiveness of the Believer:** In Pauline epistles, λοιποί clearly marks the boundary between the Christian community and the world. Believers are called to live differently, to possess a hope and a moral standard that sets them apart from "the rest" of humanity who live without God or His truth. This reinforces the call to holiness and separation unto God.
4. **Comprehensive Scope of Christian Life:** When used in exhortations (often with λοιπόν), the underlying concept of "the rest" encourages believers to apply Christian principles to every remaining aspect of their lives and conduct, ensuring that their faith is holistic and pervasive.
### Summary
λοιποί (loipoí) fundamentally means "the remaining ones" or "the rest." Its meaning is deeply contextual, ranging from a neutral numerical descriptor to a loaded term distinguishing those subject to divine judgment from those who are spared or chosen. In the New Testament, it plays a crucial role in highlighting the distinctiveness of believers from the unrepentant world, underscoring themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, and the nature of the remnant. It serves as a reminder of God's active involvement in human history, separating and distinguishing humanity based on their response to His truth and grace, and calling believers to a life set apart from "the rest."
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