κληρονόμος (klēronomos)
klēronomos
heir
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun klēronomos means an heir, specifically one who receives a portion of inheritance by right rather than purchase. Its components point to this legal standing: it combines the word for "lot" or "portion" with a verb meaning to possess or receive. In the New Testament, this term appears fourteen times, often in theological discussions about identity and destiny.
While the word can refer to anyone receiving an estate, as seen when Jesus describes the wicked tenants in Matthew 21:38 who want to seize the son’s inheritance, its most significant usage is spiritual. It describes believers who become heirs of God’s promises through their relationship with Christ. Paul uses it in Galatians 3:29 to explain that those who belong to Christ are Abraham’s offspring and therefore heirs according to the promise.
The text highlights a profound shift in status. Hebrews 1:2 identifies Jesus as the heir of all things, while Romans 8:17 extends this privilege to Christians, noting that they are co-heirs with Christ if they share in his sufferings. This usage moves the concept beyond material wealth to include participation in the Messianic Kingdom and the privileges of sonship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for 'heir' carries a sense of legal standing that goes beyond simply receiving a gift. It describes someone who has a rightful claim to an inheritance by birth, not by purchase. In the New Testament, this concept shifts from earthly estates to spiritual identity. Believers are described as heirs of God’s promises, sharing in the legacy prepared through Christ.
This status brings profound comfort. You are not an outsider looking in, but a child with full rights. Romans 8:17 reminds us that we are joint heirs with Christ, meaning our future glory is tied to His. Even when life feels uncertain, this truth anchors your identity. You belong to God, and what is His is yours.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- heirs4×
- heir;3×
- heir3×
- heirs;1×
- heirs.1×
- heirs,1×
- heir.1×
- an heir of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κληρονόμος·3×
- κληρονόμος2×
- κληρονόμον2×
- κληρονόμοι2×
- κληρονόμους1×
- κληρονόμος.¶1×
- κληρονόμοις1×
- κληρονόμοι·1×
- κληρονόμοι.¶1×
- κληρονόμοι,1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 8:17
and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him.
This verse defines the believer's status as a joint heir with Christ, linking our future glory directly to sharing in His sufferings.
-
Galatians 3:29
If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to promise.
Paul uses this term to show that belonging to Christ makes one Abraham’s offspring and an heir according to the original promise.
-
Hebrews 1:2
has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds.
It identifies Jesus as the appointed heir of all things, establishing the foundation for who inherits creation through Him.
-
Matthew 21:38
But the farmers, when they saw the son, said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and seize his inheritance.’
This narrative use highlights the human desire to seize an inheritance illegally, contrasting with the rightful claim of the son.