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G2816 · Greek · New Testament
κληρονομέω
kleronomeo
Verb
to inherit, receive as an inheritance

Definition

Kleronomeo appears 18 times in the New Testament, derived from kleros (lot/inheritance) + nemo (to distribute). It is the language of inheritance — receiving what has been promised, allotted, and secured through covenant relationship. The word spans from literal inheritance (Matthew 5:5 — 'the meek shall inherit the earth') to eschatological reception of eternal life (Matthew 19:29; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 15:50; Galatians 5:21).

Usage & Theological Significance

The theology of kleronomeo flows directly from the OT concept of nachal (inherit) — Israel's inheritance of the Land was a covenant gift, not earned but received as God's promise to Abraham's descendants. In the NT, the inheritance is expanded and spiritualized: believers are 'heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ' (Romans 8:17). Galatians 4:7 declares 'you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.' Kleronomeo stands against all merit-based religion — the inheritance is received, not achieved. It is the language of grace: God's children receive everything; God's servants earn wages.

Key Bible Verses

Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit [kleronomeo] the earth.
Matthew 19:29 Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters... for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit [kleronomeo] eternal life.
1 Corinthians 15:50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit [kleronomeo] the kingdom of God.
Galatians 4:7 So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir [kleronomos].
Hebrews 1:4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited [kleronomeo] is superior to theirs.

Related Words

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