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κληρόω

klēróō

G2820 verb

SILEX Entry

Root κληρ- to assign by lot, to allot, to apportion

Definition

To assign by lot or allot; to give as a share or portion. In extended or figurative sense: to grant or cause someone to receive a portion, especially in reference to receiving an inheritance or share, often with the implication of divinely determined assignment.

Semantic Range

to assign by lot, to allot, to apportion, to grant a share, to cause someone to obtain an inheritance, to cause to participate as a portion-holder, to determine or provide by lot or divine will

Root / Etymology

From the noun κλῆρος (klēros), meaning 'lot,' 'share,' or 'inheritance.' The verb κληρόω is a denominative formation "to assign by lot," derived from the root sense of casting lots or apportioning by chance or divine decision.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, κληρόω is rare, but the use of κλῆρος as 'lot', 'allotment,' or 'inheritance' is well-established, often in civic, legal, or religious contexts. In the Septuagint, κληρόω appears in contexts of land allotment to the tribes of Israel, reflecting the practice of assigning tribal territories by lot (see Joshua 14–21). In the New Testament (e.g., Colossians 1:12; Ephesians 1:11), the verb often refers metaphorically to obtaining an inheritance or share, frequently understood as receiving a divinely bestowed participation in salvation or promised blessing. English translations typically render κληρόω as 'obtain an inheritance' or 'give an inheritance,' but this can narrow the broader sense of 'assigning a portion by lot, appointment, or divine will.' The verb denotes not merely chance, but frequently an act understood as guided by divine decision, especially in Hellenistic and biblical contexts. Distinct from διδόναι (to give) or λαμβάνειν (to receive), κληρόω carries the connotation of a predetermined or divinely apportioned share, particularly in Jewish and early Christian writings where concepts of inheritance and election are present.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from κλῆρος; to allot, i.e. (figuratively) to assign (a privilege):--obtain an inheritance.

Root Family

κληρόω (klēroō) — to assign by lot, to allot, to apportion

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G2820-01 ἐκληρώθημεν eklerothemen V AOR PASS IND 1P PL we have obtained an inheritance we were allotted 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G2820-01 Ephesians 1:11 ἐκληρώθημεν eklerothemen V AOR PASS IND 1P PL we have obtained an inheritance we were allotted
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