שְׁאָר (she.ar)
she.ar
remainder
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun she’ar denotes a remainder or what is left over after a main portion has been taken or destroyed. In the books of Ezra and Daniel, where this word appears most frequently, it typically refers to the survivors of a disaster or the residual part of a population that remains after judgment or exile.
Its meaning carries a sense of continuity amidst loss; it is not merely debris, but the people who endure. This usage highlights how God’s purposes often work through a small, surviving group rather than the entirety of a nation, preserving hope even when the majority has fallen away.
Translators usually render this term as "remnant" or "remainder," capturing the idea of a leftover portion that retains its identity and potential. The word underscores the biblical theme that God’s faithfulness is often evident in those who remain faithful after catastrophe, serving as the foundation for future restoration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word she’ar points to what remains after a storm has passed. In the ancient texts, it often describes the survivors who stayed behind when others fell away or were taken into exile. It is not about failure or abandonment, but about endurance. God’s plans frequently continue through a small group of people who hold fast to their faith when everything else seems to crumble.
For you, this offers a quiet comfort. You do not need to be the majority to matter in God’s eyes. When life feels like it is stripping away your security or community, remember that being part of the 'remainder' means you are still chosen for purpose. Your presence, even if small, carries weight in His story.
This concept reminds us that hope survives loss. The survivors are not just leftovers; they are the foundation for what comes next. Whether you feel overlooked or overwhelmed, your faithfulness is seen and valued by God, who uses the few to bring about lasting change.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ [the] rest of8×
- and/ rest/ the2×
- with/ [the] rest of1×
- [the] rest of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/שְׁאָרָ֖/א2×
- וּ/שְׁאָר֙2×
- וּ/שְׁאָ֣ר2×
- שְׁאָ֖ר1×
- וּ/שְׁאָ֧ר1×
- וּ/שְׁאָ֥ר1×
- וּ/שְׁאָ֗ר1×
- וּ/שְׁאָ֖ר1×
- בִּ/שְׁאָ֛ר1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 6:16
The children of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy.
This verse highlights the 'rest of the children of the captivity' joining the priests and Levites, showing how the remnant actively participates in restoring worship and community identity.
-
Daniel 2:18
that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret, that Daniel and his companions would not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
Here the term distinguishes Daniel and his friends from the 'rest of the wise men,' emphasizing that their survival depends on divine mercy rather than human wisdom alone.
-
Daniel 7:12
As for the rest of the animals, their dominion was taken away; yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.
This passage notes that while the dominion of previous beasts was removed, their lives were prolonged for a time, illustrating how God controls the duration of even defeated powers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does she’ar mean in the Bible?
How is she’ar different from other words for 'people'?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 6 verses
Then Rehum the chancellor, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions, the Dinaites, and the…
Ezra 4:10and the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnappar brought over and settled in the city of Samaria, and in…
Ezra 4:17Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions…
Ezra 6:16The children of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of…
Ezra 7:18Whatever seems good to you and to your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, do that according to…
Ezra 7:20Whatever more will be needed for the house of your God, which you may have occasion to give, give it out of the king’s…