from שָׁאַר; a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion; that had escaped, be left, posterity, remain(-der), remnant, residue, rest.
Transliteration:shᵉʼêrîyth
Pronunciation:sheh-ay-reeth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word שְׁאֵרִית (shᵉʼêrîyth, `{{H7611}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the verbal root שָׁאַר (sha'ar, `{{H7604}}`), which means "to remain, be left over, survive." Its core meaning, therefore, is "that which is left over," a "remainder," or a "residue."
The semantic range of שְׁאֵרִית encompasses several nuances:
* **Numerical Remnant:** This refers to a small portion of a larger group that survives or remains after a significant loss, destruction, or depletion. It can apply to people, animals, or even resources.
* **Survivors:** Often specifically denotes those who have escaped a calamity, war, or divine judgment.
* **Posterity/Descendants:** In some contexts, it refers to a surviving lineage or descendants, ensuring the continuation of a family, tribe, or nation.
* **Residual Portion:** More broadly, any part that is left behind or remains after a process.
Crucially, in its theological usage, שְׁאֵרִית often carries the connotation of divine preservation, indicating that the remaining portion is not merely accidental but preserved by God's design for His purposes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term שְׁאֵרִית (shᵉʼêrîyth) appears approximately 67 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in the prophetic books, where it develops into a significant theological concept.
* **Early Historical Contexts:** In early biblical narratives, שְׁאֵרִית often describes physical survival. For instance, Joseph explains to his brothers that God sent him to Egypt to preserve a "remnant" (שְׁאֵרִית) in the earth, ensuring the survival of their family line ([[Genesis 45:7]]). Similarly, in the historical books, it frequently refers to those who survived military defeats, famines, or exiles ([[2 Kings 19:4]], [[2 Chronicles 12:7]], [[Ezra 9:8]]). In [[2 Kings 19:30-31]], Isaiah's prophecy to Hezekiah speaks of a "remnant" that will escape and flourish, highlighting both physical preservation and divine intervention.
* **Prophetic Emphasis (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Minor Prophets):** It is in the prophetic literature that the concept of the "remnant" gains profound theological depth.
* **Isaiah:** The prophet Isaiah's very son's name, Shear-Jashub (שְׁאָר יָשׁוּב, "a remnant shall return," [[Isaiah 7:3]]), encapsulates this theme. Isaiah frequently uses שְׁאֵרִית to refer to the portion of Israel that will survive divine judgment, not merely by chance, but by God's sovereign choice and grace ([[Isaiah 10:20-22]]). This remnant is portrayed as those who genuinely turn back to the Lord, a holy seed through whom God's covenant promises will be fulfilled.
* **Jeremiah:** While lamenting the destruction and exile, Jeremiah also prophesies that God will gather the "remnant" (שְׁאֵרִית) of His flock and bring them back to their pasture ([[Jeremiah 23:3]]). This emphasizes divine restoration after judgment.
* **Ezekiel:** Ezekiel speaks of a small "remnant" who will escape the final judgment on Jerusalem, serving as a witness to God's justice and sovereignty among the nations ([[Ezekiel 6:8-10]]).
* **Minor Prophets:** Prophets like Micah, Zephaniah, and Zechariah further develop the remnant theology. Micah prophesies that God will make "her who limped a remnant" and "her who was cast far off a strong nation," pointing to a future spiritual and national restoration ([[Micah 4:7]]). Zephaniah describes the "remnant of Israel" as a humble and righteous people who will do no injustice ([[Zephaniah 3:13]]).
Across these contexts, the "remnant" is consistently presented as a divinely preserved and purposed group, central to God's ongoing redemptive plan for His people and the world.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding שְׁאֵרִית (shᵉʼêrîyth) is enhanced by examining its relationship with other Hebrew terms and broader theological concepts:
* **שָׁאַר (sha'ar, `{{H7604}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to remain, be left over, survive." This foundational verb highlights the act of preservation from which the noun שְׁאֵרִית derives its meaning.
* **פְּלֵיטָה (pelêṭâ, `{{H6413}}`):** Meaning "escape, deliverance, survivors." This term is often used in parallel with or synonymously to שְׁאֵרִית, particularly when emphasizing those who have escaped destruction or calamity. For example, in [[2 Kings 19:30]], the phrase "the remnant that is escaped" uses both terms, reinforcing the idea of survival.
* **יֶתֶר (yether, `{{H3499}}`):** This word generally means "remainder, rest, excess." While it can also refer to what is left over, it lacks the specific theological nuance of divine preservation and election that often accompanies שְׁאֵרִית. It can simply denote the "rest" of a group or object without implying a special purpose.
* **The "Remnant" Theology:** Beyond a single word, the "remnant" is a pervasive theological concept throughout the Bible. It articulates the truth that even in times of widespread apostasy, judgment, or destruction, God always preserves a faithful core. This concept is crucial for understanding God's covenant faithfulness and His method of advancing His redemptive plan through a chosen few. This theological idea extends into the New Testament, where Paul explicitly refers to a "remnant according to the election of grace" (λεῖμμα κατ' ἐκλογὴν χάριτος) in [[Romans 11:5]], linking the Old Testament concept to the Christian church.
### Theological Significance
The concept of the "remnant" (שְׁאֵרִית) is a cornerstone of biblical theology, revealing profound truths about God's character and His interaction with humanity:
* **God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness:** The existence of a remnant, especially in the face of widespread disobedience and judgment, powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over history and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. Despite human failure, God's purposes will not be thwarted; He always preserves a seed through whom His plan will continue.
* **Divine Election and Grace:** The remnant is not merely a statistical survival but a group chosen by God's grace. They are the recipients of His special favor and are preserved to be instruments of His will. This highlights that salvation and preservation are ultimately God's initiative, not based on human merit.
* **Judgment and Salvation in Tension:** The remnant concept holds judgment and salvation in a dynamic tension. It affirms the reality and severity of divine judgment for sin, yet simultaneously assures that judgment is never total or final. A portion is always preserved for salvation, ensuring the continuity of God's people and His redemptive work. The remnant often experiences the judgment but survives it, becoming a living testimony to God's justice and mercy.
* **Hope and Future Restoration:** The remnant serves as a profound symbol of hope. Prophecies concerning the remnant often point to a future gathering, purification, and blessing, culminating in the establishment of God's kingdom. They represent the continuing line through which the Messiah would come and through whom God's ultimate redemptive purposes would be achieved for all creation.
* **Purity and Holiness:** In many prophetic texts, the remnant is characterized by spiritual purity, righteousness, and humility. They are the ones who have learned from judgment, genuinely repented, and truly turned back to God, becoming a holy people set apart for Him.
### Summary
The Hebrew word שְׁאֵרִית (shᵉʼêrîyth, `{{H7611}}`) denotes "a remainder" or "that which is left over," stemming from the root שָׁאַר (sha'ar, `{{H7604}}`) meaning "to remain." While literally referring to any residual portion, its profound theological significance emerges from its prevalent use to describe the "remnant" of Israel. This remnant is not simply a group of physical survivors but a divinely preserved and chosen people, often depicted as escaping judgment, returning to God in repentance, and inheriting God's covenant promises.
The concept of the שְׁאֵרִית underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering faithfulness to His redemptive plan, even amidst widespread apostasy and destruction. It illustrates divine election and grace, demonstrating that God always maintains a faithful core through whom His purposes will be advanced. The remnant embodies the tension between divine judgment and salvation, serving as a beacon of hope for future restoration, purification, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom. The theological understanding of שְׁאֵרִית is thus central to comprehending God's enduring commitment to His people and His unfolding plan of salvation throughout biblical history.
TRV