Remnant
שְׁאֵרִית (she'erith)
The faithful few who remain loyal to God amid widespread apostasy.
She'erith means 'remainder' or 'survivors' and describes the faithful minority within Israel (and by extension, the church) who remain true to God when the majority falls away.
"Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace." — Romans 11:5 (KJV)
Key Verses
Romans 11:5
“Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.”Read in context
Isaiah 10:21
“The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.”Read in context
1 Kings 19:18
“Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.”Read in context
Etymology and Origin
She'erith comes from the root sha'ar (to remain, be left over). Related terms include she'ar (remnant) and the prophetic name Shear-Jashub ('a remnant shall return'), which Isaiah gave his son as a living sign. The concept of a faithful remnant runs from Noah through the prophets to the New Testament church.
Theological Significance
The remnant theme reveals that God always preserves a faithful people, even in the darkest times. Noah's family, the 7,000 who didn't bow to Baal, the exiles who returned to Jerusalem, and the Jewish Christians of Paul's day — all represent God's commitment to His covenant promises. The remnant is proof that God's word never fails.
Practical Application
The remnant concept encourages believers who feel outnumbered or marginalized for their faith. Elijah thought he was alone, but God had preserved 7,000. Faithfulness is not measured by popularity but by loyalty to God. Every generation has its remnant — those who hold fast when others drift.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the remnant in the Bible?
The remnant is the faithful minority who remain loyal to God when the majority falls into unfaithfulness. Examples include Noah's family, the 7,000 who didn't worship Baal, and the Jewish Christians Paul describes in Romans 11.
Does the concept of remnant apply today?
Many Christians believe the remnant principle continues — God always preserves a faithful people who hold to His truth regardless of cultural pressure or widespread compromise.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Remnant"?
Romans 11:5 — "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace" (KJV). It also appears in Isaiah 10:21, 1 Kings 19:18.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Remnant" matter?
She'erith comes from the root sha'ar (to remain, be left over). English uses one word, "Remnant", where the Hebrew שְׁאֵרִית (she'erith) carries the fuller sense: the faithful few who remain loyal to god amid widespread apostasy.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Remnant (שְׁאֵרִית (she'erith))
The faithful few who remain loyal to God amid widespread apostasy.
Remnant (Sheerith) (שְׁאֵרִית (sheerith))
The faithful few — those who remain loyal to God when the majority falls away.
Strong's H7611 — Remnant (Sheerith)
שְׁאֵרִית (sheerith) • The faithful few — those who remain loyal to God when the majority falls away.
Strong's G3005 — Remnant (Leimma)
λεῖμμα (leimma) • The faithful remainder — the preserved few through whom God continues His redemptive purposes.
Isaiah 46:4 — Meaning & Devotional
God's Faithfulness Through Life
Isaiah 25:1 Commentary
In-depth study • Praising God's Faithfulness
Where to go next
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