λεῖμμα (leimma)
leimma
remnant
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun leimma refers to a remnant or remainder, describing what is left over after the main part has been taken away. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Romans 11:5, where Paul speaks of a "remnant chosen by grace." This usage aligns with its presence in the Greek Old Testament, where it translates Hebrew words for the surviving portion of a people.
Its meaning is concrete and physical, denoting a leftover quantity rather than an abstract concept. By using this specific term, Paul emphasizes that his fellow Israelites are not entirely gone; a small, remaining group still exists. This highlights the continuity between God's past promises to the nation and His current work through a faithful few.
The word underscores the idea of survival against odds. It is not about the majority but about what endures. In Romans, this remnant serves as proof that God has not rejected His people, even when most have turned away. The term captures the essence of preservation amidst judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word leimma points to what remains when the majority has passed away. In Romans 11:5, Paul uses it to describe a small group of Israelites who stayed faithful. This remnant was chosen by grace, not by their own strength or numbers. It shows that God’s promises do not disappear just because most people turn away.
For you, this word offers comfort in seasons of feeling alone. When faithfulness seems rare or the world feels distant from God, remember that a faithful remnant always exists. You are part of this continuing line of believers who trust in His mercy. God preserves His people through grace, ensuring that hope never fully fades.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a remnant1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λεῖμμα1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 11:5
Even so too at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Paul uses this term to identify the current faithful group in Israel as proof that God has not completely rejected His people.