λεῖμμα
leîmma
G3005 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Something left over; remainder or remnant, especially what remains after a separation, destruction, or selection. Predominantly refers to people or objects left after others have been removed or lost, most often used for a surviving group or portion after an event of loss or judgment. In broader contexts, may refer to any portion that remains after the principal part is taken away.
Semantic Range
remainder, remnant, residue, what is left over, surviving portion, group left after selection or destruction
Root / Etymology
From the verb λείπω ('to leave, leave behind'); λεῖμμα is the neuter substantive form meaning 'that which is left.' Cognate with the related nouns λειψανόν (remainder), λειψανδρία (scarcity of men), and others. This formation is a regular -μα neuter noun derivative indicating the result or product of action.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, λεῖμμα is found occasionally with the literal sense of 'what is left behind,' including fragments, residue, or a surviving portion. In Koine Greek and the Septuagint, it frequently acquires a figurative sense, especially for a group of people (such as Israelites) who survive disaster, exile, or divine judgment and are thus the 'remnant.' The term appears in this sense in Romans 11:5, where it references those who remain faithful among a larger group—echoing LXX themes of a surviving faithful group among the people of Israel. English translations typically render λεῖμμα as 'remnant,' which captures only its specialized theological usage; however, the core meaning is broader ('what is left'). Distinct from other forms like ὑπόλειμμα (also 'remnant'), but with similar semantic scope.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from λείπω; a remainder:--remnant.
Root Family
λεῖμμα (leimma) — remainder, remnant, what is left behind, surviving portion
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3005-01 |
λῖμμα | limma | N NOM N SG |
remnant | remnant | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3005-01 |
Romans 11:5 | λῖμμα | limma | N NOM N SG |
remnant | remnant |