Remnant (Sheerith)
שְׁאֵרִית (sheerith)
The faithful few — those who remain loyal to God when the majority falls away.
Sheerith is the Hebrew word for remnant, meaning 'what is left over.' It describes the faithful minority who remain loyal to God even when the larger community falls into unfaithfulness — God's preserved seed of hope.
"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 H7611 — Remnant (Sheerith) (שְׁאֵרִית (sheerith))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where שְׁאֵרִית (sheerith) appears.
Open Strong's H7611Etymology and Original Meaning
Sheerith comes from the root shaar, meaning 'to remain' or 'to be left over.' It describes what survives after catastrophe, exile, or judgment. The remnant concept is profoundly hopeful: even in the worst circumstances, God preserves a faithful core. They are the seed from which new life grows — the proof that God's purposes cannot be ultimately defeated.
The Remnant in Israel's History
The remnant pattern appears throughout Israel's story. Noah's family survived the flood. A faithful remnant returned from Babylonian exile. When Elijah thought he was alone, God revealed 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal (1 Kings 19:18). Isaiah named his son Shear-jashub — 'a remnant shall return' — making the concept a living prophecy.
Paul and the Remnant
Paul applies the remnant concept to his own day: 'Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace' (Romans 11:5). Not all Israel rejected Christ — Jewish believers like Paul, Peter, and the apostles formed the faithful remnant through whom the gospel reached the world. The remnant bridges the old and new covenants.
The Remnant Today
The remnant principle reassures believers that faithfulness, not numbers, matters to God. In every generation and culture, God preserves those who hold fast to His truth. The church itself began as a tiny remnant — 120 in the upper room — and transformed the world. God specializes in working through the few who remain faithful when the many fall away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the remnant in the Bible?
The remnant (sheerith) is the faithful minority who remain loyal to God when the majority falls away. God preserves this core group as the seed of hope and renewal.
Is there a remnant today?
Yes. Romans 11:5 affirms that God always preserves a remnant according to grace. In every generation, God maintains a faithful people who hold to His truth and carry His purposes forward.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Remnant (Sheerith)"?
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 (Sheerith)" matter?
Sheerith comes from the root shaar, meaning 'to remain' or 'to be left over.' It describes what survives after catastrophe, exile, or judgment. English uses one word, "Remnant (Sheerith)", where the Hebrew שְׁאֵרִית (sheerith) carries the fuller sense: the faithful few — those who remain loyal to god when the majority falls away.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
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.
Remnant (שְׁאֵרִית (she'erith))
The faithful few who remain loyal to God amid widespread apostasy.
Strong's G3005 — Remnant (Leimma)
λεῖμμα (leimma) • The faithful remainder — the preserved few through whom God continues His redemptive purposes.
Hebrews 13:8 — Meaning & Devotional
God's Faithfulness
Hebrews 13:8 Commentary
In-depth study • The Unchanging Christ
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