Original Word: κληρόω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: kléroó
Pronunciation: klay-ro'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (klay-ro'-o)
Definition: to assign by lot, to allot, to appoint, to obtain an inheritance
Meaning: I cast lots, choose by lot, assign by lot, assign a portion, receive a share.

assign or obtain an inheritance.

From kleros; to allot, i.e. (figuratively) to assign (a privilege) -- obtain an inheritance.

see GREEK kleros

Cognate: 2820 klēróō (from 2819 /klḗros, "to cast lots") – properly, make a choice when assisted by casting lots (cf. S. Zodhiates, Dict); to appoint (assign) by lot-casting. See 2818 (klēronómos).

2820 /klēróō ("assign by divine lot-cast"), is only used in Eph 1:11 where it is often translated "obtained an inheritance." The Greek text literally reads, "In whom (Christ), indeed we were lot-cast (2820 /klēróō), having already been pre-horizoned (4309 /proorízō, aorist participle) according to (divine) purpose, of the one energizing all things according to the counsel (1012 /boulḗ) arising from His will (2307 /thélēma)."

[The above rendering regards the Greek genitive as "subjective."]

Word Origin
from kléros
Definition
to assign by lot
NASB Translation
obtained an inheritance (1).

STRONGS NT 2820: κληρόω

κληρόω, κλήρῳ: 1 aorist passive ἐκληρωθην; (κλῆρος); in classical Greek:

1. to cast lots, determine by lot.

2. to choose by lot: τινα (Herodotus 1, 94; others).

3. to allot, assign by lot: τινα τίνι, one to another as a possession, Pindar Ol. 8, 19.

4. once in the N. T., "to make a κλῆρος i. e., a heritage, private possession": τινα, passive ἐν ᾧ ἐκληρώθημεν (but Lachmann ἐκλλεθημεν) in whom lies the reason why we were made the κλῆρος τοῦ Θεοῦ (a designation transferred from the Jews in the O. T. to Christians, cf. Additions to Esther 3:10 [Esther 4:234:17f] (4 line 12f (Tdf.)) and Fritzsche, in the place cited; (cf. Deuteronomy 4:20; Deuteronomy 9:29)), the heritage of God Ephesians 1:11 (see Ellicott, in the place cited). (In ecclesiastical writings it signifies to become a clergyman (see references under the word κλῆρος, at the end).) (Compare: προσκληρόω.)

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word κλῆρος (klēros), meaning "lot" or "inheritance."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H5159 נַחֲלָה (nachalah): Inheritance, possession, property.
• H1486 גּוֹרָל (goral): Lot, portion, destiny.

These Hebrew terms reflect similar themes of inheritance and the distribution of land or blessings, often determined by casting lots, which aligns with the Greek concept of κληρόω in the New Testament.

Usage: The verb κληρόω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of assigning or obtaining an inheritance, often in a spiritual or metaphorical sense. It conveys the idea of being chosen or appointed to receive a portion or share, particularly in the context of God's promises or blessings.

Context: The Greek verb κληρόω appears in the New Testament to express the concept of receiving or being appointed to an inheritance. This term is rooted in the ancient practice of casting lots to determine the distribution of land, property, or responsibilities. In the biblical context, κληρόω often carries a deeper spiritual significance, reflecting the divine appointment or selection of individuals or groups to partake in God's promises.

In the New Testament, κληρόω is used to describe the believers' inheritance in Christ. For example, in Ephesians 1:11 (BSB), it is written, "In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will." Here, the term underscores the idea of being chosen by God to receive the spiritual blessings and promises fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

The concept of κληρόω is closely tied to the notion of divine election and the assurance of believers' future inheritance in the kingdom of God. It emphasizes the grace and sovereignty of God in granting believers a share in the eternal inheritance, which is not earned by human effort but given by God's will and purpose.

εκληρωθημεν εκληρώθημεν ἐκληρώθημεν κληρώση κληρωτί eklerothemen eklerṓthemen eklērōthēmen eklērṓthēmenInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts