The meaning of “נַחֲלָה”
Understanding nachălâh reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare נַחַל. - properly, something inherited, i.e. (abstractly) occupan...
נַחֲלָה
heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare נַחַל. - properly, something inherited, i.e. (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom - generally an estate, patrimony or portion 1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage 1a) property 1b) portion, share 1c) inheritance, portion
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 48:6 | “And thy issue, which thou begettest after them, shall be thine, and shall be called after the name of their brethren in their inheritance.” Word: נַחֲלָה (nachălâh) | |
| Judges 20:6 | “And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel: for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.” Word: נַחֲלָה (nachălâh) | |
| 2 Kings 21:14 | “And I will forsake the remnant of mine inheritance, and deliver them into the hand of their enemies; and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies;” Word: נַחֲלָה (nachălâh) | |
| Psalms 79:1 | “O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.” Word: נַחֲלָה (nachălâh) | |
| Lamentations 5:2 | “Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens.” Word: נַחֲלָה (nachălâh) |
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).