κατακληροδοτέω (kataklērodoteō)
kataklērodoteō
to distribute
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kataklērodoteō means to distribute land or property by lot, treating it as a formal inheritance. It combines a prefix implying thoroughness with roots related to allotment and possession. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Acts 13:19.
Here, Luke uses it to describe how God gave the land of Canaan to the Israelites after their conquest. The term emphasizes the divine method of allocation rather than human negotiation. By using a word associated with legal inheritance and casting lots, the text highlights that the distribution was seen as an act of sovereign provision.
While similar words exist for general possession, this specific form underscores the structured, authoritative nature of the transfer. It reflects a sense of settled ownership established through a recognized process, marking the land as a permanent portion for the people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kataklērodoteō describes a formal distribution of land by lot, emphasizing that ownership comes from divine appointment rather than human effort. In Acts 13:19, Luke uses this term to recall how God gave the land of Canaan to Israel after defeating seven nations. This highlights a pattern where God provides a settled portion for His people through sovereign action.
For your faith, this reminds us that our spiritual inheritance is not earned by negotiation but received as a gift from God. Just as Israel received their land through a recognized process of divine allotment, we are assured that our place in Christ is secure and established by His authority. This truth offers stability when life feels uncertain.
When you face transitions or new seasons, remember that God has already prepared your portion. You do not need to strive for security because He has already distributed it with care. Trust in the One who holds all things together and gives each believer their rightful place in His family.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- He gave as an inheritance1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατεκληρονόμησεν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 13:19
When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land for an inheritance for about four hundred fifty years.
This verse uses kataklērodoteō to show that God’s provision of Canaan was a formal, sovereign act of inheritance, not merely military conquest.