שָׁאַר (sha.ar)
sha.ar
to remain
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 114 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sha’ar means to remain, be left over, or survive. It describes what persists after a larger group has been removed or destroyed. In the Old Testament, this word appears frequently in historical and prophetic books like Jeremiah and Kings, often marking the small number of people who endure judgment or disaster.
Its usage ranges from simple survival to the existence of a remnant. For example, Genesis 7:23 notes that only Noah and those with him remained in the ark after the floodwaters covered the earth. The sources highlight how the word distinguishes between total destruction and partial preservation, as seen when Joshua’s army left some Canaanite cities unconquered (Joshua 11:22) or when kings spared certain prisoners during sieges.
The theological weight of sha’ar lies in its connection to God’s faithfulness amid judgment. Even when punishment is severe, the word often points to a surviving group that continues the covenant line. Translators typically render it as "remain" or "left," capturing the sense of something redundant or extra that persists after the main event has passed.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word sha'ar speaks of what remains when the rest is gone. It describes a small group that survives judgment or disaster, often highlighting God's faithfulness to preserve a remnant. This concept appears in stories like Noah's family surviving the flood or Israel being left few in number after exile. It reminds us that God's promises endure even when circumstances seem hopeless.
In your life, this word offers comfort during seasons of loss or transition. When you feel overwhelmed by change or grief, sha'ar points to the truth that God preserves what matters most. He keeps a remnant of hope, love, and faith alive even in difficult times. This survival is not accidental but part of His careful plan.
Consider how this word encourages trust in God's sovereignty. Whether facing personal challenges or global uncertainties, sha'ar assures us that God remains faithful to His covenant people. It invites you to rest in the knowledge that He preserves what is precious to Him, offering hope for the future despite present trials.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 114 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he left9×
- who/ remained6×
- which/ remain6×
- he had left6×
- which/ remains5×
- they remained4×
- it remained4×
- he left behind4×
- those/ [who] remained3×
- they are left3×
- it will remain3×
- it remains3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הִשְׁאִֽיר\־7×
- הִשְׁאִ֖יר5×
- נִשְׁאַ֥ר4×
- הַ/נִּשְׁאָרִ֣ים4×
- נִשְׁאַר֙3×
- נִשְׁאַר\־3×
- נִשְׁאֲרוּ\־3×
- הַ/נִּשְׁאָרִים֙3×
- הַ/נִּשְׁאָרִ֥ים3×
- הַ/נִּשְׁאָר֙3×
- הִשְׁאִ֥יר3×
- נִשְׁאַ֣רְתִּי2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 7:23
Every living thing was destroyed that was on the surface of the ground, including man, livestock, creeping things, and birds of the sky. They were destroyed from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those who were with him in the ship.
This verse uses sha'ar to describe Noah and his family as the sole survivors of the flood, emphasizing God's preservation of a remnant for renewal.
-
Leviticus 26:36
“‘As for those of you who are left, I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies. The sound of a driven leaf will put them to flight; and they shall flee, as one flees from the sword. They will fall when no one pursues.
Here, sha'ar refers to those left behind in exile, showing how God's judgment leaves a surviving group that continues His covenant purposes.
-
Deuteronomy 4:27
Yahweh will scatter you among the peoples, and you will be left few in number among the nations where Yahweh will lead you away.
This occurrence highlights Israel being left few in number among nations, illustrating God's faithfulness to preserve a remnant despite scattering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word sha'ar mean?
How is sha'ar different from other Hebrew words for 'left'?
Where does sha'ar appear most frequently in the Old Testament?
Every Occurrence (114 verses across 26 books)
Genesis 4 verses
Every living thing was destroyed that was on the surface of the ground, including man, livestock, creeping things, and…
Genesis 14:10Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and some fell there. Those who…
Genesis 42:38He said, “My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he only is left. If harm happens to him along…
Genesis 47:18When that year was ended, they came to him the second year, and said to him, “We will not hide from my lord how our…