### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κληρόω (klēróō) is derived from the noun κλῆρος (klēros) `{{G2819}}`, which primarily signifies "a lot" (as in casting lots), "a share," "a portion," or "an inheritance." As a verb, κληρόω therefore fundamentally means "to allot by lot," "to assign by lot," or "to obtain by lot." However, its usage in the New Testament transcends the idea of mere chance. It conveys a more profound sense of divine allocation or assignment. The base definition "to assign (a privilege)" points to a purposeful, sovereign act of bestowing a particular portion or destiny, often with the connotation of receiving an inheritance or a divinely appointed share.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb κληρόω appears only once in the New Testament, found in the Epistle to the Ephesians:
* [[Ephesians 1:11]]: "in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will."
In this pivotal verse, the form used is ἐκληρώθημεν (eklerōthēmen), a passive aorist indicative, which is best translated as "we were allotted an inheritance" or "we obtained an inheritance."
The context is crucial:
1. **Divine Agency:** The passive voice emphasizes that believers are the recipients of this action; God is the one who performs the allotting. It is not something earned or chosen by human will, but a divine bestowal.
2. **Predestination and Purpose:** The phrase "having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will" directly links this "allotment" to God's eternal, sovereign plan. The inheritance is a result of divine foreordination, not human merit or random chance.
3. **In Christ:** The preceding phrase "in whom also" (referring to Christ) highlights that this inheritance is secured and realized only through union with Jesus Christ. All spiritual blessings, including this divine allotment, are mediated through Him.
4. **Nature of the Inheritance:** While the Old Testament concept of κλῆρος often referred to the physical land inheritance given to the tribes of Israel, the New Testament usage, particularly here, points to a spiritual and eschatological inheritance—the full participation in God's kingdom and the blessings of salvation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of κληρόω is rich with related terms that illuminate its meaning:
* κλῆρος (klēros) `{{G2819}}`: The root noun, meaning "lot," "portion," "share," or "inheritance." This connection grounds κληρόω in the concept of a divinely appointed portion or destiny. Examples include the lot cast for Jesus' garments [[John 19:24]], the selection of Matthias by lot [[Acts 1:26]], and the "portion" or "inheritance" of the saints [[Colossians 1:12]].
* κληρονομέω (kleronomeō) `{{G2816}}`: The verb "to inherit," emphasizing the act of receiving an inheritance.
* κληρονομία (kleronomia) `{{G2817}}`: The noun "inheritance," referring to the actual possession or portion received.
* κληρονόμος (kleronomos) `{{G2818}}`: The noun "heir," referring to the one who receives the inheritance.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of a divinely appointed destiny and a secure, unmerited possession granted by God. The concept of divine election and predestination is also intimately tied to the meaning of κληρόω in [[Ephesians 1:11]], as it speaks of a divinely purposed assignment.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of κληρόω in [[Ephesians 1:11]] carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Sovereignty in Salvation:** The use of κληρόω powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty in the salvation of believers. Our "inheritance" is not something we earn, choose, or stumble upon by chance, but is a deliberate, purposeful allotment from God's eternal counsel. It highlights that salvation is entirely a work of divine grace and initiative.
* **Security and Assurance:** The perfect tense of ἐκληρώθημεν (eklerōthēmen) signifies a completed action with enduring results. This means the inheritance is a settled, unchangeable reality for the believer. It provides immense assurance and security, as our spiritual portion is guaranteed by the immutable will of God.
* **Christocentricity of Blessings:** The phrase "in whom" (Christ) is vital. All spiritual blessings, including this divine inheritance, are not received in isolation but are intrinsically tied to one's union with Jesus Christ. He is both the means by which this inheritance is secured and the sphere in which it is enjoyed.
* **Purposeful Existence:** Being "allotted an inheritance" according to God's purpose means that believers have been assigned a specific place and role within God's grand redemptive plan. Our lives and destinies are not random but are part of a divine design, ultimately "to the praise of His glory" [[Ephesians 1:12]].
* **Spiritual vs. Earthly Inheritance:** Unlike the land allotments in the Old Testament, the New Testament "inheritance" is primarily spiritual and eschatological, encompassing the full scope of redemptive blessings and eternal life in God's presence.
### Summary
The Greek verb κληρόω (klēróō), derived from κλῆρος (klēros) `{{G2819}}`, conveys the meaning of being divinely allotted or assigned a privilege. Its singular, yet highly significant, appearance in [[Ephesians 1:11]] reveals a profound theological truth: believers "have obtained an inheritance" in Christ, not by chance or human merit, but by God's sovereign predestination and eternal purpose. This divine allotment underscores God's absolute control over salvation, providing believers with the secure and unshakeable assurance that their spiritual portion is a gracious gift, eternally determined by the counsel of His will. This "inheritance" is fundamentally Christ-centered, ensuring that our place and purpose within God's redemptive plan are firmly established for His glory.
TRV