Lexical Summary kléronomos: Heir Original Word: κληρονόμος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance heir. From kleros and the base of nomos (in its original sense of partitioning, i.e. (reflexively) getting by apportionment); a sharer by lot, i.e. Inheritor (literally or figuratively); by implication, a possessor -- heir. see GREEK kleros see GREEK nomos HELPS Word-studies 2818 klēronómos (a masculine noun derived from 2819 /klḗros, "lot" and nemō, "to distribute, allot") – an heir; someone who inherits. [In ancient times, inheritance was often determined by casting lots (such as with land disposition). This practice was attested even in secular life by Herodotus (2:109), Plato (Lg.74), etc. Lot-casting determined land allotments (distribution) related to inheritance, as well as to "title-deeds, legacy, inheritance, heritable estate" (LS).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kléros and the same as nomos Definition an heir NASB Translation heir (8), heirs (7). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2818: κληρονόμοςκληρονόμος, κληρονόμου, ὁ (κλῆρος, and νέμομαι, to possess), properly, one who receives by lot; hence, 1. an heir (in Greek writings from Plato down); a. properly: Matthew 21:38; Mark 12:7; Luke 20:14; Galatians 4:1. b. in Messianic usage, one who receives his allotted possession by right of sonship: so of Christ, as κληρονόμος πάντων, all things being subjected to his sway, Hebrews 1:2; of Christians, as exalted by faith to the dignity of sons of Abraham and so of sons cf God, and hence, to receive the blessings of God's kingdom promised to Abraham: absolutely, Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:29; with τοῦ Θεοῦ added, i. e. of God's possessions, equivalent to τῆς δόξης (see δόξα, III. 4 b.), Romans 8:17; Θεοῦ διά Χριστοῦ, by the favor of Christ (inasmuch as through him we have obtained ἡ υἱοθεσία), Galatians 4:7 Rec., for which L T Tr WH read διά Θεοῦ (see διά, A. III. 1) (cf. C. F. A. Fritzsche in Fritzschiorum opuscc., p. 148 (who advocates the Rec. as that reading in which the others probably originated (but cf. Meyer, in the place cited; WH in loc.))); τοῦ κόσμου, of government over the world, Romans 4:13f; ζωῆς: αἰωνίου, Titus 3:7; τῆς βασιλείας, James 2:5. 2. the idea of inheritance having disappeared, one who has acquired or obtained the portion allotted him: with the genitive of the tiring, Hebrews 6:17; Hebrews 11:7; τοῦ σκότους, used of the devil, Ev. Nicod. c. 20 (or Descens. Chr. ad Inferos 4,1). (The Sept. four times for יורֵשׁ: Judges 18:7; 2 Samuel 14:7; Jeremiah 8:10; Micah 1:15.) Strong’s Greek 2818, klēronomos, denotes an heir—one entitled to receive an allotted possession. While rooted in ancient legal custom, Scripture employs the term to unfold the redemptive purposes of God, centering first in Jesus Christ and then extending to all united to Him by faith. The concept embraces promise, identity, stewardship, and eschatological hope. Old Testament and Cultural Background In Israel, inheritance rested primarily with firstborn sons (Deuteronomy 21:17), yet land was ultimately “Mine,” declares the Lord (Leviticus 25:23). Greco-Roman law similarly safeguarded property transfer and perpetuated the family name. Against this backdrop klēronomos speaks both the language of law and the language of covenant grace: God Himself secures and distributes the estate. Christ, the Supreme Heir Hebrews 1:2 announces the Son “whom He appointed heir of all things.” All creation and every promise converge in Jesus. Psalm 2:8 foretells, “Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance.” The New Testament affirms that universal lordship belongs to Him by right, resurrection, and enthronement. Heirs According to Promise 1. Promise to Abraham—Romans 4:13 presents Abraham as heir of the world through the righteousness of faith, foreshadowing a family beyond ethnic Israel. Co-Heirs with Christ Romans 8:17 captures the astonishing elevation of believers: “And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.” The clause links inheritance to discipleship’s cost and future glory. Grace-Based Justification and Inheritance Titus 3:7 ties heirship to justification: “so that, having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs with the hope of eternal life.” The inheritance is neither earned nor merited; it is purely gracious, secured by Christ’s finished work. Faith and Perseverance Hebrews 6:17 depicts God’s unchangeable purpose “to show the heirs of the promise the unchangeable nature of His purpose.” Oaths and promises bolster assurance; however, Hebrews urges diligence so that heirs “through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Hebrews 6:12). Ethical Responsibilities of Heirs James 2:5 reminds the church that God “has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom.” Inheritance confers no license for favoritism but demands mercy, generosity, and humility. Heirs steward kingdom resources for the vulnerable (Matthew 25:34-40). Parabolic Warnings In the vineyard parable (Matthew 21:38; Mark 12:7; Luke 20:14) the wicked tenants conspire: “This is the heir; come, let us kill him.” Their rejection of the rightful heir illustrates Israel’s leaders’ resistance to Jesus and cautions all who would usurp divine claims. Eschatological Dimension Hebrews 11:7 records Noah as “heir of the righteousness that comes by faith,” prefiguring eschatological deliverance. In Revelation 21:7, the glorified Christ proclaims, “The one who overcomes will inherit all things.” The full realization awaits the new heavens and new earth, yet believers possess a down payment through the Spirit (Ephesians 1:14). Pastoral and Ministry Significance • Identity: Preaching should continually root Christians in their heirship, combating fear and orphan-mindedness. Related Terms • Klēronomia (Strong’s 2817): the inheritance itself. Understanding klēronomos illuminates these cognates, reinforcing both gift and identity. Conclusion Klēronomos draws believers into God’s sweeping story: the Father bequeaths all things to the Son, and the Son shares that inheritance with His redeemed family. Rooted in Abrahamic promise, ratified at Calvary, and awaiting consummation, the heirship of the saints inspires worship, obedience, and unshakeable hope. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 21:38 N-NMSGRK: ἐστιν ὁ κληρονόμος δεῦτε ἀποκτείνωμεν NAS: This is the heir; come, KJV: This is the heir; come, let us kill INT: is the heir come let us kill Mark 12:7 N-NMS Luke 20:14 N-NMS Romans 4:13 N-AMS Romans 4:14 N-NMP Romans 8:17 N-NMP Romans 8:17 N-NMP Galatians 3:29 N-NMP Galatians 4:1 N-NMS Galatians 4:7 N-NMS Titus 3:7 N-NMP Hebrews 1:2 N-AMS Hebrews 6:17 N-DMP Hebrews 11:7 N-NMS James 2:5 N-AMP Strong's Greek 2818 |
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