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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kataklērodotéō**, represented by `{{G2624}}`, means to **divide by lot** or to apportion an estate. It appears **2 times** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The word specifically describes a divine act of distributing land as an inheritance, highlighting God as the one who gives portions to His people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single scriptural context for `{{G2624}}` is a historical summary of God's work for Israel. The word is used to describe the moment when, after God had **destroyed** `{{G2507}}` **seven** `{{G2033}}` **nations** `{{G1484}}` in the **land** `{{G1093}}` of **Chanaan** `{{G5477}}`, He **divided** their land among the Israelites **by lot** [[Acts 13:19]]. This highlights the act as the fulfillment of God's promise, moving His people from a state of conquest to one of settled inheritance.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its sole context help illuminate the meaning of this divine action:
* `{{G2507}}` **kathairéō** (to lower (or with violence) demolish (literally or figuratively):--cast (pull, put, take) down, destroy): This word signifies the necessary preceding action of destruction that makes the apportionment of land possible [[Acts 13:19]]. It is also used figuratively for **casting down** imaginations contrary to God [[2 Corinthians 10:5]].
* `{{G1484}}` **éthnos** (a race... a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one... Gentile, heathen, nation, people): This identifies the groups whose land was given as an inheritance. The term is used more broadly to refer to all **nations** that are to be taught [[Matthew 28:19]] and the **Gentiles** to whom Christ was preached [[1 Timothy 3:16]].
* `{{G1093}}` **gē** (soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe... country, earth(-ly), ground, land, world): This is the physical inheritance that was **divided by lot** [[Acts 13:19]]. The term also refers to the entire **earth**, where believers are to be witnesses [[Acts 1:8]] and where God's will is to be done [[Matthew 6:10]].
* `{{G5477}}` **Chanaán** (Chanaan (i.e. Kenaan), the early name of Palestine:--Chanaan): This word specifies the exact geographic territory that was promised and distributed. It is not only the site of the inheritance [[Acts 13:19]] but also a land that experienced dearth and affliction [[Acts 7:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2624}}` is tied to God's sovereign fulfillment of His covenant.
* **Divine Apportionment:** The use of this word emphasizes that God is the sole agent who **destroys** `{{G2507}}` the enemy and then distributes the inheritance. The act of dividing the **land** `{{G1093}}` **by lot** signifies that the outcome is determined by divine will, not human claim or merit [[Acts 13:19]].
* **Inheritance Through Conquest:** The word's context establishes a clear pattern: God's power first clears the way by destroying the **seven nations** `{{G1484}}` before He gives the inheritance. This links the fulfillment of God's promise directly to His power to overcome obstacles for His people.
* **The Land as a Divine Gift:** By personally dividing the **land** of **Chanaan** `{{G5477}}`, God frames the territory as a direct gift. The process underscores His role as the ultimate provider and sustainer of Israel, solidifying their claim to the land as one rooted in His sovereign action.
### Summary
In summary, **kataklērodotéō** `{{G2624}}` is a highly specific term that, despite its rarity, powerfully captures a key aspect of God's relationship with Israel. It defines the moment of covenant fulfillment where God acts as the sovereign distributor of a promised inheritance. The word is a testament to the biblical theme that God not only conquers on behalf of His people but also personally apportions their blessing and rest.
TRV