Lexical Summary kléros: Lot, portion, inheritance, share Original Word: κλῆρος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance heritage, inheritance, lot, part. Probably from klao (through the idea of using bits of wood, etc., for the purpose; a die (for drawing chances); by implication, a portion (as if so secured); by extension, an acquisition (especially a patrimony, figuratively) -- heritage, inheritance, lot, part. see GREEK klao HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2819 klḗros (a masculine noun derived from klēro, "to cast a lot") – properly, a lot, cast to distribute ("apportion"). Scripture encourages casting lots (2819 /klḗros) to better discern the preferred-will of God (cf. 2307 /thélēma and their association in Col 1:9-12). [2818 /klēronómos ("heir") is derived from 2819 /klḗros ("lot, the casting of lots"), not the other way around – i.e. the term "lots" is not derived from 2818 (klēronómos). Moreover, 2819 (klḗros) is not etymologically related to (cognate with) 2975/lag NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition a lot NASB Translation allotted to your charge (1), inheritance (2), lot (1), lots (5), portion (1), share (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2819: κλῆροςκλῆρος, κλήρου, ὁ, from Homer down; the Sept. mostly for גּורָל and נַחֲלָה; a lot; i. e.: 1. an object used in casting or drawing lots, which was either a pebble, or a potsherd, or a bit of wood (hence, κλῆρος is to be derived from κλάω (cf. Ellicott on Colossians 1:12)): Acts 1:26 (see below); βάλλοντες κλῆρον, Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:34; John 19:24 (Psalm 21:19 2. what is obtained by lot, allotted portion: λαγχάνειν and λαμβάνειν τόν κλῆρον τῆς διακονίας, a prrtion in the ministry common to the apostles, Acts 1:17, 25 R G; ἐστι μοι κλῆρος ἐν τίνι, dative of the thing, Acts 8:21; like κληρονομία (which see) it is used of the part which one will have in eternal salvation, λαμβάνειν ... τόν κλῆρον ἐν τοῖς ἡγιασμένοις, among the sanctified, Acts 26:18 (Wis. 5:5); of eternal salvation itself, κλῆρος τῶν ἁγίων, i. e. the eternal salvation which God has assigned to the saints, Colossians 1:12 (where cf. Lightfoot). of persons, οἱ κλῆροι, those whose care and oversight has been assigned to one (allotted charge), used of Christian churches, the administration of which falls to the lot of the presbyters: 1 Peter 5:3, cf. Acts 17:4; (for patristic usage see Sophocles Lexicon, under the word; cf. Lightfoot on Philippians, p. 246f). The term conveys two intertwined ideas: (1) a “lot” employed in sacred decision-making and (2) the “portion” allotted to someone as an inheritance. In the Septuagint both meanings meet: Israel’s land was divided “by lot,” yet “the LORD is the portion of my inheritance” (Psalm 16:5). Thus the word already pointed beyond chance to God’s providential ordering. Casting Lots in the Passion Narratives Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24, Luke 23:34, and John 19:24 describe Roman soldiers dividing Jesus’ garments. Mark records, “They divided His garments among them, casting lots for them to decide what each would take” (Mark 15:24). The evangelists see Psalm 22:18 fulfilled: even in apparent randomness, the Father’s plan unfolds. The mocked, crucified Messiah retains sovereign authority; the soldiers’ “lot” becomes a signpost to Scripture’s reliability. Lots and Apostolic Succession (Acts 1) After Judas’ betrayal, Peter leads the believers to choose a replacement. The community prays, presents two qualified men, then casts lots. “They cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles” (Acts 1:26). Far from gambling, the act entrusts the decision to God, echoing Proverbs 16:33. The moment marks the last New Testament use of lots for guidance, coming just before the Spirit’s outpouring at Pentecost. It affirms God’s sovereignty over leadership and the integrity of apostolic witness. Inheritance Language in Luke–Acts and Paul Luke employs the word of salvation’s benefits: Paul is sent “to open their eyes … that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me” (Acts 26:18). Here the “lot” is the believer’s share in the covenant community. Paul echoes the motif in Colossians 1:12, thanking the Father “who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.” The imagery shifts from a random draw to a secure, graciously granted birthright. Guarding the Flock’s Portion (1 Peter 5:3) Elders are exhorted not to lord it over “those entrusted to you” (literally, “the lots,” 1 Peter 5:3). The congregation is God’s allotted heritage, and shepherds must care for it as stewards, not owners. Pastoral authority arises from stewardship of God’s portion, never personal dominance. Warning Against Presumption (Acts 8:21) Peter tells Simon Magus, “You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God” (Acts 8:21). The promised “lot” can be forfeited by hypocrisy. True inheritance is inseparable from repentance and faith. Historical Notes on the Practice of Lots • In Israel, lots settled disputed land boundaries (Joshua 18:10) and priestly duties (1 Chronicles 24:5). Theological Themes 1. Sovereignty of God: what seems random fulfills precise prophecy (Crucifixion) and sustains orderly leadership (Matthias). Practical Applications • Worship: meditate on the certainty of the believer’s inheritance; praise God for securing the “lot” in Christ. Summary Across its twelve New Testament occurrences, the term traces a movement from external devices of chance to the internal assurance of grace: from the soldiers’ dice to the saints’ indestructible inheritance. Every appearance, whether in narrative, exhortation, or doctrine, reinforces the truth that God Himself assigns, secures, and protects the believer’s portion forever. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 27:35 N-AMSGRK: αὐτοῦ βάλλοντες κλῆρον ἵνα πληρωθῇ NAS: among themselves by casting lots. KJV: casting lots: that INT: of him casting lots that might be fulfilled Matthew 27:35 Noun-AMS Mark 15:24 N-AMS Luke 23:34 N-AMS John 19:24 N-AMS Acts 1:17 N-AMS Acts 1:26 N-AMP Acts 1:26 N-NMS Acts 8:21 N-NMS Acts 26:18 N-AMS Colossians 1:12 N-GMS 1 Peter 5:3 N-GMP Strong's Greek 2819 |
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