שָׁאַר
properly, to swell up, i.e. be (causatively, make) redundant
Definition
The Hebrew word שָׁאַר (shâʼar) fundamentally means 'to remain, be left over, or survive.' It describes what is left after a process of removal, destruction, or selection. In a physical sense, it often refers to survivors of a catastrophe, as with Noah and his family being 'left' after the flood (Genesis 7:23). In a more intentional sense, it can mean to reserve or spare something, such as when Pharaoh is asked to let the Israelites 'remain' in Goshen during the plague of flies (Exodus 8:9). A key theological usage applies to the 'remnant' of God's people who survive judgment, a concept developed by the prophets.
Biblical Usage
This verb appears over 120 times across the Old Testament, especially in narrative and prophetic books. It commonly describes survivors of battles or disasters (e.g., Genesis 14:10; 32:8). It is used in negotiations about leaving people or goods behind (Genesis 42:38; 47:18). In the Prophets, its nominal form (שְׁאָר, she'ar) frequently denotes the faithful 'remnant' that God preserves, a central theme in Isaiah (e.g., Isaiah 10:20-22) and other prophets.
Etymology
A primitive root meaning 'to swell up' or 'be redundant,' from which the sense of 'being left over' naturally derives. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic and Arabic, with related meanings of 'remaining' or 'exceeding.'
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant for the doctrine of the remnant. It underscores God's faithfulness in preserving a faithful group from Israel through judgment, ensuring the continuation of His covenant promises. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of prophetic books, highlighting God's grace in preserving a people for Himself even in times of widespread unfaithfulness.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, survival after a military defeat or natural disaster was often seen as a sign of divine favor or special purpose. The concept of a 'remnant' carried strong covenantal and communal implications, contrasting with purely individual survival.
יָתַר (yâthar, H3498) — emphasizes an abundant surplus or what is left in excess. פָּלִיט (pâlîyṭ, H6413) — focuses on an escapee or fugitive who survives by fleeing. שָׂרִיד (śârîyd, H8300) — a synonym for survivor, often used in parallel with שְׁאָר.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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