Remnant (Leimma)
λεῖμμα (leimma)
The faithful remainder — the preserved few through whom God continues His redemptive purposes.
Leimma is the Greek word for remnant, meaning the portion left over. Throughout Scripture, God preserves a faithful remnant — a smaller group through whom His purposes survive 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.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G3005 — Remnant (Leimma) (λεῖμμα (leimma))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where λεῖμμα (leimma) appears.
Open Strong's G3005Etymology and Original Meaning
Leimma means 'remainder' or 'what is left over.' The Hebrew equivalent sheerith carries the same meaning. The remnant concept arises whenever God's people face widespread apostasy: though the majority falls away, God preserves a faithful few. The remnant is small in number but significant in purpose — they carry the seed of future restoration.
The Remnant Pattern
The remnant pattern appears throughout Scripture: Noah's family amid a corrupt world, Lot in Sodom, the 7,000 in Elijah's day who hadn't bowed to Baal (1 Kings 19:18), the returning exiles after Babylon, and the Jewish believers in Paul's day (Romans 11:5). In every generation, when apostasy seems total, God has His faithful remnant — often hidden, often surprising, always preserved.
The Remnant and Grace
Paul emphasizes that the remnant exists 'according to the election of grace' (Romans 11:5). The remnant is not self-selected through superior virtue but divinely preserved through grace. God does not preserve the remnant because they are faithful; they are faithful because God preserves them. The remnant is a monument to grace, not human achievement.
Hope for the Future
The remnant concept carries profound hope: God's purposes cannot be defeated by human failure. Even when the majority abandons faith, God maintains a faithful core through whom His plan continues. Isaiah named his son Shear-jashub — 'a remnant shall return' (Isaiah 7:3). No matter how dark the apostasy, God always has His remnant, and through them, restoration comes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the remnant in the Bible?
The remnant (leimma) is the faithful few whom God preserves when the majority falls away. Throughout Scripture, God maintains a faithful core — often small and hidden — through whom His redemptive purposes continue.
Is there a remnant today?
Paul affirms that 'at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace' (Romans 11:5). In every generation, God preserves faithful believers — not by their merit but by His gracious election.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Remnant (Leimma)"?
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 Greek word behind "Remnant (Leimma)" matter?
Leimma means 'remainder' or 'what is left over.' The Hebrew equivalent sheerith carries the same meaning. English uses one word, "Remnant (Leimma)", where the Greek λεῖμμα (leimma) carries the fuller sense: the faithful remainder — the preserved few through whom god continues his redemptive purposes.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Remnant (Leimma) (λεῖμμα (leimma))
The faithful remainder — the preserved few through whom God continues His redemptive purposes.
Strong's G3005 — Remnant (Leimma)
λεῖμμα (leimma) • The faithful remainder — the preserved few through whom God continues His redemptive purposes.
Remnant (שְׁאֵרִית (she'erith))
The faithful few who remain loyal to God amid widespread apostasy.
Strong's H7611 — Remnant (Sheerith)
שְׁאֵרִית (sheerith) • The faithful few — those who remain loyal to God when the majority falls away.
Jeremiah 31:2 Commentary
In-depth study • Grace in the Wilderness
Biblical Meaning of a Rainbow in a Dream (KJV)
God's covenant, mercy, and unbroken promise.
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