Brief Overview of κλῆρος (Strong’s G2819: klēros)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies provides essential insight into the depth of the scriptures. The Greek word κλῆρος (klēros) is particularly significant as it carries meanings that resonate deeply with themes of divine choice, inheritance, and fate. This term is not only pivotal for interpreting New Testament passages but also for appreciating the cultural practices of ancient Greek society, where the concept of casting lots played a critical role in decision-making, inheritance distribution, and determining divine will.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: κλῆρος, transliterated as klēros [KLAY-ros].

Etymology: The word κλῆρος derives from the root verb κλάω (klao), meaning “to break” or “to divide.” This etymology aligns with its core meanings involving portions, shares, and lots. In ancient practices, lots were often broken pieces of wood or stone used in random selection, indicating divine or impartial decision-making.

Part of Speech: Noun. It is masculine in gender and follows the second declension pattern in Greek grammar. As a noun, κλῆρος can be used in various syntactic roles, including subject, object, or indirect object, and it appears in multiple cases, depending on its function in a sentence.

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Defining Meanings

1. Lot or Share: The primary meaning of κλῆρος is “lot” or “share,” referring to something that is assigned or apportioned, often by casting lots. This could be land, property, or even responsibilities within a community.
2. Inheritance: κλῆρος is also used to mean “inheritance,” particularly in a legal or familial context. In this sense, it refers to the share of a deceased person’s estate that is passed down to an heir.
3. Divine Decision or Fate: In many ancient cultures, lots were cast to discern divine will or fate. The word κλῆρος thus came to symbolize a decision made by divine will, particularly in religious and judicial contexts.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Κληρονομία (klēronomia) [klay-ron-om-EE-ah]: Refers to “inheritance.” While κλῆρος can mean a lot or share, κληρονομία specifically denotes the possession received, emphasizing the concept of legal inheritance.
2. Κληρονόμος (klēronomos) [klay-ron-OM-os]: Means “heir.” While κλῆρος refers to the lot or portion itself, κληρονόμος is the person who receives that inheritance or portion.
3. Μόρος (moros) [MOH-ros]: Translates to “fate” or “destiny.” It differs from κλῆρος in that it refers more broadly to the idea of fate as a predetermined course, rather than a portion assigned by lot.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

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Case, Number, Gender:
Κλῆρος is a masculine noun and follows the second declension pattern in Greek. It appears in the following cases:

• Nominative Singular: κλῆρος (subject)
• Genitive Singular: κλήρου (possession, “of the lot”)
• Dative Singular: κλήρῳ (indirect object, “to/for the lot”)
• Accusative Singular: κλῆρον (direct object)

For more about Greek declensions, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

κλῆρος is interpreted in various contexts throughout the New Testament and classical literature. It frequently appears in discussions related to the allotment of land (e.g., Israel’s division of Canaan), spiritual inheritance, or divine calling. In the New Testament, it often symbolizes God’s chosen people or the believers’ inheritance in God’s Kingdom. Lexicons emphasize that κλῆρος involves an element of divine decision-making or fate, aligning it with both legal and theological interpretations. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 27:35: “And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots [κλῆρος].” This verse illustrates the literal use of κλῆρος in dividing material possessions by chance.
2. Acts 1:26: “And they cast lots [κλῆρος] for them, and the lot [κλῆρος] fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” Here, κλῆρος is used to depict divine decision-making in the appointment of Matthias as an apostle.
3. Colossians 1:12: “Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance [κλῆρος] of the saints in light.” This usage highlights the spiritual inheritance that believers receive.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κλῆρος is foundational for understanding various biblical concepts such as divine choice, inheritance, and fate. Its range of meanings from literal “lots” to spiritual “inheritance” enriches New Testament theology and provides insight into God’s sovereignty and human responsibility.

Did You Know?

1. In ancient Israel, κλῆρος was often used to distribute land among tribes, a practice that underscored divine will in the apportionment of land.
2. The word κλῆρος is closely related to the word “clergy,” indicating those who have received a “lot” or “calling” in serving God.
3. In Greek literature, κλῆρος often determined not only property distribution but also important life decisions, reinforcing the belief in divine guidance.