STRONGS NT 2624: κατακληρονομέωκατακληρονομέω, κατακληρονόμω (see κατά, III. 6): 1 aorist κατεκληρονόμησα; to distribute by lot, to distribute as an inheritance: τίνι τί, Acts 13:19 G L T Tr WH. (Numbers 34:18; Deuteronomy 3:28; Joshua 14:1; Judges 11:24 Alex.; 1 Samuel 2:8; 1 Esdr. 8:82. Also often intransitive, to receive, obtain, acquire as an inheritance; as, Deuteronomy 1:8 variant, ; . Not found in secular authors.)

Acts 13:19 records the sole New Testament use of κατεκληρονόμησεν: “And having overthrown seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance” (Berean Standard Bible). The aorist verb conveys a completed historical act whereby God distributed the promised land to Israel.

Historical Background

Paul is speaking in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, summarizing God’s redemptive dealings from the patriarchs to David and ultimately to Jesus Christ. By choosing this rare verb, Paul anchors his audience in the conquest narratives of Joshua (Joshua 13–21), reminding them of God’s covenant faithfulness first pledged to Abraham (Genesis 12:7; Genesis 15:18-21).

Relation to Old Testament Land Allotment

1. Divine sovereignty: The land was not seized by Israel’s skill but granted by God (Deuteronomy 6:10-12; Psalm 44:3).
2. Distribution by lot: After the conquest, Joshua “cast lots” before the LORD at Shiloh to assign territory to each tribe (Joshua 18:6-10).
3. Covenant fulfillment: The dispossession of the seven nations (Deuteronomy 7:1) and the giving of the land complete the patriarchal promise, showcasing God’s fidelity over centuries.

Theological Significance

• Promise and possession: What God promises, He provides—Israel’s inheritance foreshadows the believer’s inheritance secured in Christ (Ephesians 1:11-14; 1 Peter 1:4).
• Judgment and grace: The same act that judged the Canaanite nations bestowed grace upon Israel, revealing both divine holiness and mercy.
• History as gospel: Paul weaves this historical deed into the proclamation of Jesus, illustrating Scripture’s unified salvation storyline (Acts 13:23, 32-33).

Implications for the Believer’s Spiritual Inheritance

Although Christians do not expect territorial allotments, the underlying principle remains: “the Father has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light” (Colossians 1:12). The certainty with which God allotted Canaan assures believers of their future possession of the “kingdom prepared…from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34).

Ministry and Discipleship Applications

1. Preaching: Acts 13:19 encourages pastors to trace God’s faithfulness through history when expounding the gospel.
2. Counseling: God’s proven record of keeping promises bolsters assurance amid present trials.
3. Missions: The inheritance motif underscores God’s global purpose—He who granted land to Israel now offers eternal life to all nations (Acts 13:46-48).
4. Worship: Recounting divine allotments stimulates gratitude, echoing Psalm 136:21-22, “and gave their land as an inheritance…His steadfast love endures forever.”

Summary

Strong’s Greek 2624 pictures God’s decisive act of granting Israel its inheritance. Paul’s single use of the term in Acts 13:19 illuminates the continuity of God’s redemptive plan, from the land promises to the universal offer of salvation in Christ. This historical reference strengthens confidence in Scripture, assures believers of their future inheritance, and fuels worship and mission in the present age.