κατάλειμμα

a remnant, small residue

Definition

Kataleimma refers to a remnant or small residue, specifically what remains after a larger portion has been removed or destroyed. In the New Testament, it carries the sense of a surviving group preserved by God's grace, often in a context of judgment. Its sole biblical use in Romans 9:27 quotes the prophet Isaiah, applying the concept of a faithful remnant from Israel's history to Paul's argument about God's sovereign election. This term emphasizes not just something left over, but a purposeful remainder chosen by God.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Romans 9:27, where Paul quotes Isaiah 10:22 (LXX). It is employed in a dense theological argument about God's faithfulness to Israel. The context is prophetic: despite widespread unbelief, God promises to preserve a faithful remnant from among His people according to His gracious choice. The usage is directly tied to Old Testament prophecy and its fulfillment in Paul's day.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning 'down' or 'according to,' combined with λείπω (leipō), a verb meaning 'to leave' or 'to remain.' Literally, it means 'that which is left down' or 'that which remains behind.' It is a cognate of the more common noun λεῖμμα (leimma, G3005), which also means 'remnant,' but kataleimma can carry a stronger nuance of what is deliberately left or survives after a sifting process.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it anchors the doctrine of the remnant in the New Testament. It underscores God's sovereign grace in salvation—His faithfulness to His promises does not depend on the obedience of the entire nation, but on His preservation of a chosen few. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of Romans 9-11, revealing the continuity of God's plan from Isaiah to Paul: salvation is always by grace, through faith, for a people God Himself preserves.

In the Greco-Roman world, the term could be used for any leftover portion. However, its biblical usage is deeply informed by its Old Testament background, particularly the prophetic tradition (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah). In that context, the 'remnant' was not a random leftover but the faithful core of Israel who trusted God during times of national judgment and exile. This covenantal concept shapes its meaning in Romans, contrasting with a purely quantitative secular understanding.

λεῖμμα (leimma, G3005) — A simpler, more general term for 'remnant' or 'remainder,' without the strong prefixed nuance of kataleimma. ὑπόλειμμα (hypoleimma, G5259) — Another synonym for 'remnant,' used in Romans 9:27 in some manuscript variants, with a similar meaning.

Word Details

Scripture References