strictly means "to receive by lot" (kleros, "a lot," nemomai, "to possess"); then, in a more general sense, "to possess oneself of, to receive as one's own, to obtain." The following list shows how in the NT the idea of inheriting broadens out to include all spiritual good provided through and in Christ, and particularly all that is contained in the hope grounded on the promises of God. The verb is used of the following objects:
Galatians 4:30Hebrews 1:412:17Hebrews 1:146:121—Peter 3:9Revelation 21:7Matthew 5:5Psalm 37:11,22Mark 10:30Matthew 19:29Mark 10:17-31Luke 18:18-30Luke 10:25Matthew 25:341—Corinthians 6:9,101—Corinthians 15:501—Corinthians 15:50HEIR.is used in the Passive Voice in Ephesians 1:11 , AV, "we have obtained an inheritance;" RV, "we were made a heritage." See HERITAGE.
"a lot" (see A), properly "an inherited property, an inheritance." "It is always rendered inheritance in NT, but only in a few cases in the Gospels has it the meaning ordinarily attached to that word in English, i.e., that into possession of which the heir enters only on the death of an ancestor. The NT usage may be set out as follows: (a) that property in real estate which in ordinary course passes from father to son on the death of the former, Matthew 21:38; Mark 12:7; Luke 12:13; 20:14; (b) a portion of an estate made the substance of a gift, Acts 7:5; Galatians 3:18 , which also is to be included under (c); (c) the prospective condition and possessions of the believer in the new order of things to be ushered in at the return of Christ, Acts 20:32; Ephesians 1:14; 5:5; Colossians 3:24; Hebrews 9:15; 1—Peter 1:4; (d) what the believer will be to God in that age, Ephesians 1:18 ." * [* From Notes on Galatians, by Hogg and Vine, pp. 146-147.]
Galatians 3:18(whence Eng., "clergy"), denotes (a) "a lot," given or cast (the latter as a means of obtaining Divine direction), Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:24; John 19:24; Acts 1:26; (b) "a person's share" in anything, Acts 1:17 , RV, "portion" (AV, "part"); Acts 8:21 , "lot;" (c) "a charge" (lit., "charges") "allotted," to elders, 1—Peter 5:3 , RV (AV, "(God's) heritage"); the figure is from portions of lands allotted to be cultivated; (d) "an inheritance," as in No. 1 (c); Acts 26:18; Colossians 1:12 . See CHARGE , A, No. 4, LOT(S), PART, PORTION.
With over 3,400 entries, this timeless classic is THE reference guide to New Testament Greek words for English readers. It explains the meaning of the original Greek with the added dimension of the context of the Greek word.Wikipedia
Read More