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Has anyone ever told you: יהוה (Yahweh) God loves you and has a great plan for your life?
Has anyone ever told you: יהוה (Yahweh) God loves you and has a great plan for your life?
Understanding Greek words is fundamental in Biblical studies, as it allows us to grasp deeper theological meanings that might be overlooked in translations. The Greek word κληρονομία (klēronomia) is significant because it deals with the concept of “inheritance,” which is a critical theme throughout the New Testament. It reflects not only physical inheritance of property or land but also a spiritual inheritance that believers are promised in the Kingdom of God. This term holds importance in interpreting passages related to God’s promises, the nature of salvation, and the believers’ future hope, as well as understanding ancient Greek cultural practices around inheritance and legacy.
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Greek Word: κληρονομία, transliterated as klēronomia [klay-ron-om-EE-ah].
Etymology: The word κληρονομία derives from two Greek roots: κλῆρος (klēros), meaning “lot” or “portion,” and νέμω (nemō), meaning “to distribute” or “to assign.” Together, they convey the idea of something that is apportioned or assigned by lot—thus, an inheritance or heritage.
Part of Speech: Noun. The word is feminine in gender and follows the first declension pattern in Greek grammar. As a noun, it primarily functions in sentences as the subject, object, or object of a preposition, and it can appear in various cases such as nominative, genitive, dative, or accusative.
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Case, Number, Gender:
The noun κληρονομία is feminine and follows the first declension pattern in Greek. It can appear in the following cases:
Case | Singular | Plural |
---|---|---|
Nominative | κληρονομία | κληρονομίαι |
Genitive | κληρονομίας | κληρονομιῶν |
Dative | κληρονομίᾳ | κληρονομίαις |
Accusative | κληρονομίαν | κληρονομίας |
For a more detailed understanding of Greek declensions, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
The word κληρονομία is rich with meaning and appears frequently in theological contexts within the New Testament. It emphasizes not just physical inheritance but also spiritual blessings and promises bestowed upon believers. Lexicons note its use in contexts that underline the idea of divine grace and favor, pointing to both present and future realities for the faithful. For instance, it is used in passages discussing the Kingdom of God as an inheritance, highlighting both assurance and eschatological hope. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.
Author | Name of Work | Text Excerpt |
---|---|---|
Plato | Laws | “Every man shall leave behind his κληρονομία (inheritance) to his heirs.” |
Septuagint | Numbers | “The land shall be your κληρονομία (inheritance) forever.” |
Aristotle | Politics | “The concept of κληρονομία (inheritance) is essential to household management.” |
Κληρονομία is a profound term that encapsulates the concept of inheritance, both in a physical and spiritual sense. It plays a vital role in understanding biblical teachings on the promises of God, salvation, and the believer’s future hope. Its use in various contexts reveals the multifaceted nature of God’s grace and the believer’s position as an heir.
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
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