The meaning of “κληρονομία”
Understanding klēronomía reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
inheritance. - heirship, i.e. (concretely) a patrimony or (genitive case) a possession
κληρονομία
inheritance. - heirship, i.e. (concretely) a patrimony or (genitive case) a possession
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 21:38 | “But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.” Word: κληρονομία (klēronomía) | |
| Mark 12:7 | “But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.” Word: κληρονομία (klēronomía) | |
| Luke 20:14 | “But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.” Word: κληρονομία (klēronomía) | |
| Acts 20:32 | “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” Word: κληρονομία (klēronomía) | |
| Galatians 3:18 | “For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.” Word: κληρονομία (klēronomía) |
Theological Word Study: Inheritance
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Inheritance, possession
The Hebrew nachalah (נַחֲלָה) means inheritance or possession—the promised land given to Israel. The LORD Himself is the inheritance of the Levites (Numbers 18:20) and of all who trust Him (Psalm 16:5).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Inheritance, heritage
The Greek kleronomia (κληρονομία) means inheritance—what is received as an heir. Believers are 'heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ' (Romans 8:17), awaiting 'an inheritance incorruptible' (1 Peter 1:4).