One of the key aspects of the biblical meaning of remnant is the idea of a faithful minority or a small group of people who remain steadfast in their devotion to God amidst challenging circumstances. The remnant is often depicted as a symbol of God’s preservation and protection of His chosen people, even in the midst of trials and tribulations.

The remnant is a recurring theme throughout the Hebrew and Christian Bible. The Anchor Bible Dictionary describes it as "What is left of a community after it undergoes a catastrophe". The concept has stronger representation in the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament than in the Christian New Testament.

Something left over, especially the righteous people of God after divine judgment. Several Hebrew words express the remnant idea: yether, “that which is left over”; she' ar, “that which remains”; she' rith, “residue”; pelitah, “one who escapes”; sa r id, “a survivor”; and, sheruth, “one loosed from bonds.”

"Remnant" means that which remains of an original body or substance. In reference to God's people, it means those who are faithful to His original truth despite apostasy and opposition.