from κατά and a derivative of a compound of κλῆρος and δίδωμι; to be a giver of lots to each, i.e. (by implication) to apportion an estate:--divide by lot.
Transliteration:kataklērodotéō
Pronunciation:kat-ak-lay-rod-ot-eh'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G2624 (κατακληροδοτέω, *kataklērodotéō*) is a compound term rich in meaning, derived from the preposition κατά (kata), which can denote distribution or completion, and a verbal form built from κλῆρος (klēros, `{{G2819}}`), meaning "lot" or "portion," and δίδωμι (didōmi, `{{G1325}}`), "to give." Literally, it signifies "to give by lot to each" or "to apportion by lot." The intensive force of κατά suggests a thorough or complete distribution. By implication, the word refers specifically to the act of dividing or distributing an inheritance or estate, particularly land, among multiple recipients, often through the casting of lots. This method was historically employed to ensure impartiality and to acknowledge divine oversight in the allocation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G2624 appears uniquely in the New Testament within the book of Acts, specifically in [[Acts 13:19]]. In this passage, during Paul's first missionary journey, he recounts God's historical dealings with Israel in his synagogue sermon at Pisidian Antioch: "And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He κατακληροδοτέω their land to them by lot for about four hundred and fifty years." Here, the verb describes God's act of distributing the land of Canaan to the Israelite tribes after their conquest. The phrase "by lot" (implied by the verb itself and sometimes explicitly stated in Old Testament accounts) underscores the divine hand in the allocation. It was not a human decision based on power or preference, but a sacred process believed to reveal God's will, ensuring an equitable and divinely ordained division among the twelve tribes, as detailed in the books of Numbers and Joshua. This act demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham's descendants regarding the land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of G2624 is closely connected to concepts of inheritance and divine distribution. Key related terms include:
* κλῆρος (klēros, `{{G2819}}`): The foundational noun meaning "lot," "portion," "inheritance," or "heritage." It often refers to the share assigned to someone, whether by chance, divine will, or legal right.
* δίδωμι (didōmi, `{{G1325}}`): The verb "to give," which forms part of the compound, highlighting the act of bestowment.
* κληρονομέω (klēronomeō, `{{G2816}}`): "To inherit," emphasizing the act of receiving an inheritance.
* κληρονομία (klēronomia, `{{G2817}}`): "Inheritance," the actual possession or portion inherited.
* κληρονόμος (klēronomos, `{{G2818}}`): "Heir," the one who receives the inheritance.
These terms collectively paint a picture of divinely ordained distribution and the concept of a promised heritage, whether it be the physical land of Canaan in the Old Testament or the spiritual inheritance of believers in the New Covenant. The act of dividing by lot, while seemingly random, was understood in ancient Israel as a means by which God's will was revealed and His justice ensured, as seen in passages like [[Proverbs 16:33]].
### Theological Significance
The theological import of G2624 lies primarily in its depiction of God's sovereign and orderly distribution of blessings and promises. In [[Acts 13:19]], it highlights God's active role in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel by justly and precisely apportioning the land of Canaan. This act was not arbitrary but a deliberate, divine act of granting a heritage. The use of "lot" in this context removes human bias and underscores divine impartiality and ultimate control over outcomes.
Beyond the historical division of land, this concept resonates with broader biblical themes:
1. **Divine Faithfulness:** God is faithful to His promises, providing for His people according to His word.
2. **Sovereign Allotment:** God is the ultimate dispenser of all things, whether physical land, spiritual gifts, or eternal life. His distribution is just and purposeful.
3. **Order and Purpose:** The division by lot, far from being chaotic, signifies an ordered and divinely purposed allocation, ensuring each receives their designated portion.
In the New Covenant, while the physical land is no longer the primary focus, the concept of a spiritual inheritance and the Holy Spirit's distribution of gifts to believers (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 12:11]]) echoes this divine principle of sovereign apportionment. Believers are heirs with Christ, inheriting the kingdom and its blessings, a heritage secured not by human merit but by divine grace and allotment.
### Summary
G2624 (κατακληροδοτέω, *kataklērodotéō*) precisely describes the act of "dividing by lot," specifically referring to the apportionment of an estate or land. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 13:19]] powerfully illustrates God's sovereign and faithful act of distributing the land of Canaan to the tribes of Israel. Etymologically rooted in concepts of "lot," "portion," and "giving," the word emphasizes a complete and divinely guided distribution. Theologically, it underscores God's absolute control, impartiality, and faithfulness in bestowing gifts and fulfilling promises, whether in the physical inheritance of the Old Covenant or the spiritual inheritance and giftedness within the New Covenant. It is a testament to God's purposeful and just administration of His kingdom.
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