שְׁאָר

Definition

The Hebrew word שְׁאָר (shᵉʼâr) is a noun meaning 'the rest,' 'the remainder,' or 'that which is left over.' It refers to what remains after a primary part has been taken, used, or considered. In Ezra, it often denotes the remaining people or groups, such as the 'rest of the nations' (Ezra 4:9-10) or the 'rest of the silver and gold' (Ezra 7:18). In Daniel, it describes the remaining parts of a vision, like the 'rest of the beasts' in Daniel 7:12, emphasizing what survives a prior action or judgment.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in Ezra and Daniel. Its usage consistently pertains to what is leftover or remaining. In Ezra, it refers to remaining peoples (Ezra 4:9, 4:10, 4:17), temple vessels (Ezra 6:16), and resources (Ezra 7:18, 7:20). In Daniel, it is used in the context of prophetic visions to describe the remainder of kingdoms or beasts (Daniel 2:18, 7:7, 7:12). The pattern shows it applies to both tangible items and groups of people.

Etymology

This word is the Aramaic cognate of the Hebrew word שְׁאָר (H7605), sharing the same root and core meaning of 'remainder' or 'rest.' The Aramaic form was used during the post-exilic period when Aramaic was a common language in the Persian Empire. Its derivation points to the concept of being left behind or surviving, which is consistent across both languages.

Semantic Range

While primarily a descriptive term, שְׁאָר can carry theological weight in contexts of divine judgment and preservation. In Daniel's visions (Daniel 7:7, 7:12), the 'rest' or 'remainder' of the beasts signifies what endures through God's sovereign oversight of kingdoms. In Ezra, the 'rest of the people' (Ezra 4:9-10) highlights the contrast between God's people and surrounding nations, subtly pointing to themes of identity and separation. Understanding this term enriches reading by emphasizing God's control over what remains after historical or prophetic events.

In the Aramaic-speaking context of the Persian Empire, this term was a common administrative and legal word for denoting surplus, remaining populations, or leftover materials. Its use in official documents in Ezra reflects the bureaucratic language of the time, where precise accounting of people and resources was important. This differs from a modern casual understanding of 'leftovers,' as it often carried formal or communal significance in records and decrees.

יֶתֶר (yether, H3499) — More common Hebrew term for 'remainder,' often used in broader contexts. שְׁאֵרִית (shᵉʼêrîyth, H7611) — A Hebrew noun meaning 'remnant,' with a stronger focus on a surviving group, often with theological implications.

Word Details

Scripture References