Inherit (2816) (kleronomeo from kleros = First a pebble, piece of wood used in casting lots as in Acts 1:26 then the allotted portion or inheritance, and so a lot, heritage, inheritance + nemomai = to possess; see Kleronomos) means to receive a lot or share of an inheritance, inherit a portion of property or receive a possession as gift from someone who has died. Kleronomeo means "to receive the portion assigned to one, receive an allotted portion, receive as one's own or as a possession; to become partaker of, to obtain" (Thayer) Inherit - To take by descent from an ancestor; to take by succession, as the representative of the former possessor; to receive, as a right or title descendible by law from an ancestor at his decease. To receive by nature from a progenitor. To possess; to enjoy; to take as a possession, by gift or divine appropriation; as, to inherit everlasting life; to inherit the promises. (Noah Webster 1828 ed) In the NT kleronomeo is used to describe inheriting "the earth" (for those who are gentle, i.e., believers) (Mt 5:5), "many times more" (than a believer has given up in this present life) (Mt 19:29), "the Kingdom" (of God - referring to believing Gentiles who aid Jews) (Mt 25:34), "eternal life" (Mk 10:17, Lk 10:25, 18:18), "the Kingdom of God" (not given to the unrighteous - 1Co 6:9, 10, cp Gal 5:21 = those who practice unrighteous behavior; Not to "flesh and blood" 1Co 15:50), "a more excellent name" (of Jesus better than angels, Heb 1:4), "salvation" (speaking of believers who have angelic assistance in this life, Heb 1:14), "the promises" (which include the promises of salvation = He 6:12), "the blessing" (which was Esau's "lot", one he traded for food, He 12:17), "a blessing" (the lot of believers 1Pe 3:9), the things of heaven and eternity in the presence of God (Rev 21:7). In classic Greek the root word kleros... is derived from klao, break. In the first instance it means a lot. Used from Homer on it meant originally the fragment of stone or piece of wood which was used as a lot. Lots were drawn to discover the will of the gods. Since land was divided by lot, probably in the framework of common use of the fields, kleros came to mean a share, land received by lot, plot of land, and finally inheritance. The vb. belonging to this is kleroo, to draw lots, apportion by lot. kleronomia compounded from kleros and nemo, allot, is first the activity of dividing by lot, then the portion so divided, the inheritance. The kleronomos is one who has been given a kleros, the inheritor. sugkleronomos is a fellow heir, and kleronomeo means be an heir, inherit. (Brown, Colin, Editor. New International Dictionary of NT Theology. 1986. Zondervan or Computer version) Vine summarizes these uses... a, birthright, that into the possession of which one enters in virtue of sonship, not because of a price paid or of a task accomplished, is said to be inherited, Gal 4:30, Hebrews 1:4; 12:17; b, that which is received as a gift, in contrast with that which is received as the reward of law-keeping (see Gal 3:14—22) is said to be inherited, Heb 1:14; 6:12 (“through,” i.e., “through experiences that called for the exercise of faith and patience,” but not “on the ground of the exercise of faith and patience”); c, that which is received on condition of obedience to certain precepts, 1Peter 3:9, and of faithfulness to God in the face of opposition, Rev 21:7, is also said to be inherited; d, the reward of that condition of soul which forbears retaliation and self-vindication, which expresses itself in gentleness of behavior, seeking not its own, 1 Corinthians 13:5 (and to which, therefore, “its own,” Luke 16:12, is secure), Matthew 5:5. The phrase “inherit the earth,” or “land,” occurs several times in the Old Testament, indeed the whole of this saying of the Lord Jesus is found in Ps 37:11, 22. It seems to refer, in the first place, to the undisputed and undisturbed possession of the Promised Land by renewed Israel under the glorious rule of Messiah, in contrast with the uncertain tenure and harassed condition of Israel in the psalmist’s day and in the days of the Lord’s humiliation; e, of the reward (in the coming age, Mark 10:30) of the acknowledgment of the paramountcy of the claims of Christ, Matthew 19:29.... f, of the reward of those who have shown kindness to the “brethren” of the Lord in their distress, Matthew 25:34, where “to inherit the kingdom” is alternated with “to enter into eternal life,” see Mt 25:46; g, the incompatibility of the present physical constitution of man with the new order to be ushered in at the coming of the Lord is declared in the words “flesh and blood [the living] cannot inherit the Kingdom of God; neither doth corruption [the dead] inherit incorruption,” 1Co 15:50; h, so also of the morally corrupt, neither shall they inherit the kingdom of God, here, and 1Co 6:9, 10, cp. Ephesians 5. (Vine, W. Collected writings of W. E. Vine. Nashville: Thomas Nelson or Logos) Kleronomeo - 18x in 17v - Mt 5:5; 19:29; 25:34; Mk 10:17; Luke 10:25; 18:18; 1 Cor 6:9f; 15:50; Gal 4:30; 5:21; Heb 1:4, 14; 6:12; 12:17; 1 Pet 3:9; Rev 21:7 Matthew 5:5-note "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 19:29 "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. Matthew 25:34 "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Mark 10:17 As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Comment: This question (and the following two passages) reflects a "works" mentality. What work can I do to gain eternal life and entrance into the Kingdom of God. Every cult and every religion (including as in this context, Judaism) other than Christianity, asks and answers this question by prescribing human works of various kinds, in lieu of the only "work" which is acceptable to God which of course is faith (cp Jn 6:29, Ep 2:8, 9-note). Luke 10:25 And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Luke 18:18 A ruler questioned Him, saying, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" 1 Corinthians 6:9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 15:50 Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Galatians 4:30 But what does the Scripture say? "CAST OUT THE BONDWOMAN AND HER SON, FOR THE SON OF THE BONDWOMAN SHALL NOT BE AN HEIR WITH THE SON OF THE FREE WOMAN." Galatians 5:21-note envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Vine comments: In the present passage, and indeed throughout the epistle, the idea of the inheritance is always of something given in grace and received apart from works, see Gal 3:18 and Gal 4:7; in fact the meaning "a" ( = birthright, that into the possession of which one enters in virtue of sonship, not because of a price paid or of a task accomplished, is said to be inherited) is appropriated to spiritual uses. No man could qualify himself to inherit the kingdom of God, however assiduously he might practice the virtues to which these vices are opposed. On the other hand, the practice of the vices is presumptive evidence of the absence of that new birth which is the sole qualification for heirship. On this point the words of the Lord are explicit, “Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but He that doeth the will of My Father, which is in Heaven,” . (Vine, W. Collected writings of W. E. Vine. Nashville: Thomas Nelson or Logos) Hebrews 1:4-note having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they. Hebrews 1:14-note Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 6:12-note so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 12:17-note For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears. 1 Peter 3:9-note not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. Revelation 21:7-note "He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. Kleronomeo - 134x in non-apocryphal Septuagint (LXX)- Ge 15:3, 4, 7f; 21:10; 22:17; 24:60; 28:4; 47:27; Ex 23:30; Lev 20:24; Nu 14:24, 31; 18:20, 23, 24; 21:35; 26:53, 55; 27:11; 32:19; 33:54; 34:17; 35:8; Deut 1:8, 21, 39; 2:9, 24, 31; 3:12; 4:1, 5, 14, 22, 26, 38, 47; 5:33; 6:1, 18; 7:1; 8:1; 9:1, 4, 5, 6, 23; 10:11; 11:8, 10, 11, 23, 29, 31; 12:2, 29; 16:20; 17:14; 20:16; 21:1; 23:20; 28:21, 63; 30:5, 16, 18; 31:13; 32:47; 33:23; Josh 1:15; 12:7; 14:2; 16:4; 17:6, 14; 18:2f; 19:9; 22:9; 24:4; Jdg 1:18, 19, 20; 3:13; 11:2, 21, 23, 24; 18:9; 1 Kgs 21:15, 16, 18, 19; 2Ki 17:24; 1 Chr 28:8; Ezra 9:11; Neh 9:15, 22, 23, 25; Ps 5:1; 25:13; 37:9, 11, 22, 29; 44:3; 69:35; 83:12; 105:44; 119:111; Pr 3:35; 11:29; 13:22; Isa 14:21; 17:14; 34:17; 49:8; 53:12; 54:3; 57:13; 58:11; 60:21; 61:7; 63:18; 65:9; Ezek 35:10; 36:12; Hos 9:6; Obad 1:20; Zeph 2:9; Zech 9:4. Below are a few uses of kleronomeo on which you might take a few moments to meditate (cp Joshua 1:8-note; Ps 1:2-note, Ps 1:3-note) Psalm 37:9 For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord (cp Is 40:31-note), they will inherit the land. Spurgeon: Evil doers shall be cut off. Their death shall be a penal judgment; not a gentle removal to a better state, but an execution in which the axe of justice will be used. But those that wait upon the Lord -- those who in patient faith expect their portion in another life -- they shall inherit the earth. Even in this life they have the most of real enjoyment, and in the ages to come theirs shall be the glory and the triumph. Passion, according to Bunyan's parable, has his good things first, and they are soon over; Patience has his good things last, and they last for ever. They shall inherit the earth. He means that they shall live in such a manner as that the blessing of God shall follow them, even to the grave. John Calvin. Psalm 37:11 But the humble will inherit the land and will delight themselves in abundant prosperity. Spurgeon: But the meek shall inherit the earth. Above all others they shall enjoy life. Even if they suffer, their consolations shall overtop their tribulations. By inheriting the land is meant obtaining covenant privileges and the salvation of God. Such as are truly humble shall take their lot with the rest of the heirs of grace, to whom all good things come by a sacred birthright. And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Peace they love and peace they shall have. If they find not abundance of gold, abundance of peace will serve their turn far better. Others find joy in strife, and thence arises their misery in due time, but peace leads on to peace, and the more a man loves it the more shall it come to him. In the halcyon period of the latter days, when universal peace shall make glad the earth, the full prophetic meaning of words like these will be made plain. Psalm 37:22 For those blessed by Him will inherit the land, but those cursed by Him will be cut off. Spurgeon: For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth. God's benediction is true wealth after all. True happiness, such as the covenant secures to all the chosen of heaven, lies wrapped up in the divine favour. And they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. His frown is death; nay, more, It is hell. The child of such a tenant as paid his rent well, shall not be put out of his farm. John Glascock The divine blessing the secret of happiness. The divine displeasure the essence of misery. Psalm 37:29 The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. Spurgeon: The righteous shall inherit the land. As heirs with Jesus Christ, the Canaan above, which is the antitype of "the land," shall be theirs with all covenant blessing. And dwell therein for ever. Tenures differ, but none can match the holding which believers have of heaven. Paradise is theirs for ever by inheritance, and they shall live for ever to enjoy it. Who would not be a saint on such terms? Who would fret concerning the fleeting treasures of the godless? Consider well this Bible truth, of the future exclusive possession of the earth by the righteous. The millennial kingdom furnishes a fuller explanation. T. C. Barth. Psalm 119:111 - I have inherited Your testimonies forever, for they are the joy of my heart. Spurgeon - Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever. He chose them as his lot, his portion, his estate; and what is more, he laid hold upon them and made them so, -- taking them into possession and enjoyment. David's choice is our choice (Ed: Not everyone agrees that David wrote Ps 119). If we might have our desire, we would desire to keep the commands of God perfectly. To know the doctrine, to enjoy the promise, to practise the command, -- be this a kingdom large enough for me. Here we have an inheritance which cannot fade and cannot be alienated; it is for ever, and ours for ever, if we have so taken it. Sometimes, like Israel at the first coming into Canaan, we have to take our heritage by hard fighting, and, if so, it is worthy of all our labour and suffering; but always it has to be taken by a decided choice of the heart and grip of the will. What God gives We must take Proverbs 3:35 The wise will inherit honor, but fools display dishonor. Proverbs 11:29 He who troubles his own house will inherit wind, and the foolish will be servant to the wisehearted. Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, and the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. Note the prominent Septuagint usage of kleronomeo in the latter portion of Isaiah which describes Israel's restoration and the complete fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham - at this time, in the future Millennium, Israel will obtain the full inheritance promised to Abraham. For example... Isaiah 60:21 Then (this time phrase describes the Millennium) all your people will be righteous (cp "all Israel will be saved" Ro 11:26-note); They will possess the land (promised to Abraham - Ge 15:18, 17:8) forever, The branch of My planting (cp Is 61:3), The work of My hands, That I may be glorified (cp Is 43:21, 44:23). Isaiah 61:7 Instead of your shame you will have a double portion, And instead of humiliation they will shout for joy over their portion. Therefore they will possess a double portion in their land, Everlasting joy will be theirs. Isaiah 65:9 “I will bring forth offspring from Jacob, And an heir of My mountains from Judah; Even My chosen ones shall inherit it, And My servants will dwell there. (Compare) Psalm 69:35 For God will save Zion and build the cities of Judah, that they may dwell there and possess it. Spurgeon's comment: Whatever captivities may occur, or desolations be caused, the land of Canaan belongs to Israel by a covenant of salt (Ed: Nu 18:19, 2Chr 13:5 - salt stands for permanence and incorruption. A "covenant of salt" was understood in ancient nations to be permanent and unbreakable. See also Trumbull's book = Covenant of Salt)), and they will surely repossess it; and this shall be a sign unto us, that through the atonement of the Christ of God, all the poor in spirit shall enjoy the mercies promised in the covenant of grace. The sure mercies of David shall be the heritage of all the seed. (Note: Clearly the "prince of preachers" understood the irrevocable promises to Israel would yet be fulfilled in the Millennium) Frank Hirsch sums up the Biblical concept of inheritance... INHERITANCE - in-her'-i-tans (nahalah, "something inherited," "occupancy," "heirloom," "estate," "portion"): The word is used in its widest application in the Old Testament Scriptures, referring not only to an estate received by a child from its parents, but also to the land received by the children of Israel as a gift from Yahweh. And in the figurative and poetical sense, the expression is applied to the kingdom of God as represented in the consecrated lives of His followers. In a similar sense, the Psalmist is represented as speaking of the Lord as the portion of his inheritance. In addition to the above word, the King James Version translations as inheritance, morashah, "a possession," "heritage" (Dt 33:4; Ezek 33:24); yerushshah, "something occupied," "a patrimony," "possession" (Jdg 21:17); cheleq, "smoothness," "allotment" (Ps 16:5); kleronomeo, "to inherit" (Mt 5:5, etc.); Kleronomos, "heir" (Mt 21:38, etc.); kleronomia, "heirship," "patrimony, "possession"; or kleros, "an acquisition" "portion," "heritage," from kleroo, "to assign," "to allot," "to obtain an inheritance" (Mt 21:38; Lk 12:13; Acts 7:5; 20:32; 26:18; Gal 3:18; Ep 1:11,Ep 1:14,Ep 1:18; Ep 5:5; Col 1:12; Col 3:24; He 1:4; He 9:15; He 11:8; 1Pe1:4). (Inheritance) (See well done article on Inheritance in Baker's Evangelical Dictionary) The believer has a high and holy calling as evidenced by the words of Jesus and Paul. Jesus said Pray (present imperative = continually! Try to do this "naturally"! Impossible. Only "Him-possible"! Ep 5:18-note, Ga 5:16-note) for those who persecute you (Mt 5:44-note) Paul wrote When we are reviled, we bless (1Co 4:12) Comment: No matter how we may be treated, we are to respond in a positive way and to seek to introduce others to that life in Christ that brings blessing. How have you done this past week beloved? Have your words of proper (not flattering) praise given evidence of your transformed life in Christ? Are others nearer to receiving Him as Lord and Savior, as a result of having had an encounter with you? (Woe is me! I am undone!)