κληρόω

I make a heritage

Definition

The verb κληρόω means to assign, allot, or appoint by lot, drawing on the ancient practice of using lots to determine decisions or distributions. In its only New Testament occurrence, Ephesians 1:11, it carries the sense of being chosen or appointed to a divine inheritance, moving beyond the physical act of casting lots to a theological reality. Here, it conveys that believers have been 'allotted' or 'assigned' their portion in God's redemptive plan, emphasizing divine sovereignty in salvation.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Ephesians 1:11. In this context, it describes how believers in Christ have been chosen and appointed by God to receive an inheritance. The usage is entirely theological, focusing on God's sovereign action in including believers in His eternal purpose, rather than describing the literal practice of casting lots.

Etymology

Derived from the noun κλῆρος (klēros, G2819), meaning 'lot,' 'portion,' or 'inheritance.' The verb form originally meant to determine something by casting lots. Over time, it developed the broader sense of appointing or assigning a share or portion, which is the sense used in the New Testament.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it underscores the doctrine of divine election and predestination. In Ephesians 1:11, being 'allotted' or 'appointed' highlights that salvation and inclusion in God's inheritance are not based on human merit or chance, but on God's sovereign will and purpose. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by emphasizing that a believer's secure position in Christ is a result of God's deliberate, purposeful choice.

In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish world, casting lots (like the Urim and Thummim or the lot for Matthias in Acts 1:26) was a common method for seeking divine guidance or making impartial decisions, believing God controlled the outcome. The New Testament usage in Ephesians spiritualizes this concept, applying it to God's sovereign appointment of believers to their spiritual inheritance, moving from a physical ritual to a theological certainty.

ἐκλέγομαι (eklegomai, G1586) — emphasizes the act of choosing or selecting out. προορίζω (proorizō, G4309) — focuses on predetermining or deciding beforehand. λαγχάνω (lanchanō, G2975) — means to obtain by lot or receive by divine allotment.

Word Details

Scripture References