κληρονομέω
klēronoméō
G2816 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To inherit, to receive or obtain something as an inheritance or portion, whether material or immaterial. Core meaning emphasizes legally or customarily taking possession of an assigned share, usually by right of kinship or appointment. Extended senses include: to become an heir, to receive a portion (especially in a metaphorical or spiritual sense), to take possession of something passed down, or to acquire participation in privileges or promises.
Semantic Range
to inherit property, to receive an assigned share, to become the legal heir, to obtain or take possession (including land or rights), to acquire participation in promises, to possess (in a spiritual or metaphorical sense)
Root / Etymology
From the noun κληρονόμος ('heir; one who receives a portion'), itself formed from κλῆρος ('lot, portion, share') and νέμω ('to distribute, assign'). The verb is denominative, meaning it is derived from the noun με transformations to verb form.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb κληρονομέω is prominent in the Septuagint for translating the Hebrew ירש (yarash), which refers to inheriting land or property, especially in covenantal or legal contexts (e.g., the Israelites inheriting Canaan). In the New Testament, it retains both concrete (inherit property) and figurative or eschatological senses (inherit eternal life, inherit the kingdom). The concept of 'inheritance' often signifies not just personal possession, but participation in a community's or family's enduring legacy. The usual English translation 'inherit' or 'become heir' can obscure the nuanced background of lineage, covenant, and legal transfer embedded in the Greek term; in Hellenistic-Greek contexts, the verb is also used for civil legal arrangements concerning property and status. Use in both sacred and secular contexts attests to its broad semantic field beyond mere material inheritance, especially in passages with theological or communal significance.
Translation Consistency
Most natural and common English rendering of κληρονομέω across literal and metaphorical uses — taking possession of an assigned share or becoming an heir. Matches the primary legal/kinship sense and fits extended spiritual senses (receiving promises, a portion). Also reflects the majority of existing translations (11/18 occurrences) and yields natural, consistent English forms (inherit, inherits, inherited).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κληρονόμος; to be an heir to (literally or figuratively):--be heir, (obtain by) inherit(-ance).
Root Family
κληρονομέω (klēronomeō) — to inherit, to receive a portion, to become an heir
Word Forms
11 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2816-06 |
κληρονομήσει | kleronomesei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
will inherit | he/she/it will inherit | will inherit | 3 |
G2816-10 |
κληρονομήσουσιν | kleronomesousin | V FUT ACT IND 3P PL |
will inherit | they will inherit | they will inherit | 3 |
G2816-08 |
κληρονομήσω | kleronomeso | V AOR ACT SUBJ 1P SG |
to inherit | I may inherit | I may inherit | 3 |
G2816-04 |
κληρονομῆσαι | kleronomesai | V AOR ACT INF |
to inherit | to inherit | to inherit | 2 |
G2816-05 |
κληρονομήσατε | kleronomesate | V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL |
inherit | Inherit! | Inherit | 1 |
G2816-02 |
κληρονομεῖ | kleronomei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
inherits | inherits | inherits | 1 |
G2816-03 |
κληρονομεῖν | kleronomein | V PRS ACT INF |
inherit | to inherit | to inherit | 1 |
G2816-11 |
κληρονομούντων | kleronomounton | V PRS ACT PTCP GEN M PL |
inheriting | of those inheriting | of those inheriting | 1 |
G2816-01 |
κεκληρονόμηκεν | kekleronomeken | V PRF ACT IND 3P SG |
he has inherited | has inherited | has inherited | 1 |
G2816-09 |
κληρονομήσουσι | kleronomesousi | V FUT ACT IND 3P PL |
shall inherit | they will inherit | they will inherit | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
18 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2816-09 |
Matthew 5:5 | κληρονομήσουσι | kleronomesousi | V FUT ACT IND 3P PL |
shall inherit | they will inherit | they will inherit |
G2816-06 |
Matthew 19:29 | κληρονομήσει | kleronomesei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
will inherit | he/she/it will inherit | will inherit |
G2816-05 |
Matthew 25:34 | κληρονομήσατε | kleronomesate | V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL |
inherit | Inherit! | Inherit |
G2816-08 |
Mark 10:17 | κληρονομήσω | kleronomeso | V AOR ACT SUBJ 1P SG |
I may inherit | I may inherit | I may inherit |
G2816-08 |
Luke 10:25 | κληρονομήσω | kleronomeso | V FUT ACT IND 1P SG |
to inherit | I may inherit | I may inherit |
G2816-08 |
Luke 18:18 | κληρονομήσω | kleronomeso | V FUT ACT IND 1P SG |
to inherit | I may inherit | I may inherit |
G2816-10 |
1 Corinthians 6:9 | κληρονομήσουσιν | kleronomesousin | V FUT ACT IND 3P PL |
will inherit | they will inherit | they will inherit |
G2816-10 |
1 Corinthians 6:10 | κληρονομήσουσιν | kleronomesousin | V FUT ACT IND 3P PL |
will inherit | they will inherit | they will inherit |
G2816-04 |
1 Corinthians 15:50 | κληρονομῆσαι | kleronomesai | V AOR ACT INF |
to inherit | to inherit | to inherit |
G2816-02 |
1 Corinthians 15:50 | κληρονομεῖ | kleronomei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
inherits | inherits | inherits |