The meaning of “κληρονόμος”
Understanding klēronómos reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
heir. - a sharer by lot, i.e. inheritor (literally or figuratively) - by implication, a possessor
κληρονόμος
heir. - a sharer by lot, i.e. inheritor (literally or figuratively) - by implication, a possessor
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: κληρονόμος (klēronómos) | |
| 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: κληρονόμος (klēronómos) | |
| 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: κληρονόμος (klēronómos) | |
| Romans 4:14 | “For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:” Word: κληρονόμος (klēronómos) | |
| Galatians 4:1 | “Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;” Word: κληρονόμος (klēronómos) |
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).