### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shᵉʼêrîyth**, represented by `{{H7611}}`, means a remainder or residual portion. It is derived from the root word `{{H7604}}` and appears 66 times in 66 unique verses. Its definition includes concepts such as a surviving or final portion, that which had escaped, posterity, remnant, residue, and rest.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H7611}}` refers to a group or portion that survives a period of judgment or calamity. It can denote a physical posterity, as when God sent Joseph ahead to preserve a **posterity** in the earth [[Genesis 45:7]]. It frequently identifies the surviving portion of Israel or Judah after exile and war, such as the **remnant** of the house of Jacob [[Isaiah 46:3]] or the **remnant** of Joseph [[Amos 5:15]]. The term is also applied to other nations, describing the **remnant** of the Philistines that will perish [[Amos 1:8]] and the **residue** of the heathen [[Ezekiel 36:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of a surviving portion:
* `{{H7604}}` **shâʼar** (leave, be left, remain): This is the root from which `{{H7611}}` is derived. It emphasizes the state of being left behind after a larger group is gone, such as the people who "are left" forming the remnant [[Jeremiah 42:2]].
* `{{H6413}}` **pᵉlêyṭâh** (deliverance, escaped portion): This word highlights the act of escaping that creates the remnant. It is used alongside `{{H7611}}` to convey the idea that there should be no **remnant** nor escaping [[Ezra 9:14]].
* `{{H8300}}` **sârîyd** (a survivor): This term focuses on one who remains alive. It is used to describe a helper that "remaineth" after the destruction of Tyrus and Zidon [[Jeremiah 47:4]].
* `{{H3499}}` **yether** (remnant, residue, rest): This word signifies a remainder or excess. It is used in parallel with `{{H7611}}`, where the **residue** of God's people shall spoil their enemies and the **remnant** of His people shall possess them [[Zephaniah 2:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7611}}` is significant, embodying themes of judgment, preservation, and restoration.
* **Divine Preservation:** The remnant is not an accident but a group intentionally preserved by God. He promises to gather the **remnant** of His flock from all the countries where He has driven them [[Jeremiah 23:3]]. This preservation ensures the continuation of His covenant people.
* **Hope After Judgment:** The existence of a remnant is a sign of hope following divine discipline. While judgment may involve being delivered into the hands of enemies [[2 Kings 21:14]], God promises to make her that halted a **remnant** and a strong nation [[Micah 4:7]].
* **Seed of Future Blessing:** The remnant is the focus of God's promises for a restored future. The **remnant** of Israel will cease from iniquity and will feed and lie down with none to make them afraid [[Zephaniah 3:13]]. God will cause this **remnant** to possess a prosperous land with fruit, increase, and dew [[Zechariah 8:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7611}}` is a critical term that encapsulates the biblical theme of a surviving portion preserved by God through judgment. It signifies more than a mere leftover; it represents the object of God's enduring faithfulness and the seed of His future restoration. The concept of the **remnant** illustrates both the severity of God's judgment on sin and the depth of His mercy toward His heritage [[Micah 7:18]].
TRV