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    Heir

    κληρονόμος (Klēronomos)

    An heir — one who receives an inheritance, especially as a child of God.

    Greek
    Strong's G2818
    Pronunciation: klay-roh-NAH-mos
    Quick Answer

    The Greek word klēronomos means heir, describing one who receives an inheritance — used in the New Testament for believers who are co-heirs with Christ of God's eternal promises.

    "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." — Romans 8:17 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Romans 8:17

    “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”
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    Galatians 4:7

    “Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”
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    Hebrews 1:2

    “Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's G2818 — Heir (κληρονόμος (Klēronomos))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where κληρονόμος (Klēronomos) appears.

    Open Strong's G2818

    The Meaning of Klēronomos

    Klēronomos means an heir — one who receives a lot or portion. In the Greco-Roman world, the heir was the son who received the father's estate, status, and authority. Paul uses this legal concept to describe the breathtaking status of believers: through adoption in Christ, they become heirs of God Himself.

    Joint-Heirs with Christ

    Romans 8:17 reveals the staggering truth that believers are not just heirs of God but joint-heirs with Christ. Everything that belongs to the Son belongs to those united with Him. This inheritance includes eternal life, glorification, and the fullness of God's promises. It is received not by works but by grace through faith.

    The Cost and Glory of Inheritance

    Paul adds a sobering note: we are joint-heirs with Christ 'if so be that we suffer with him.' The path to glory passes through suffering. The inheritance is certain, but the journey includes sharing in Christ's sufferings. Yet the suffering is temporary while the inheritance is eternal — 'the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.'

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does it mean to be an heir of God?

    To be an heir (klēronomos) of God means to receive His inheritance through adoption in Christ — eternal life, glorification, and all of God's promises. Believers share in everything that belongs to Christ as joint-heirs.

    What is the inheritance believers receive?

    The inheritance includes eternal life, glorified bodies, the kingdom of God, and the fullness of God's promises. It is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for those who believe (1 Peter 1:4).

    What is the Greek word for "Heir" in the Bible?

    κληρονόμος (Klēronomos), pronounced "klay-roh-NAH-mos." It means an heir — one who receives an inheritance, especially as a child of god. Its Strong's number is G2818. It is the word behind "Heir" in the New Testament, for example in Romans 8:17.

    What does "Heir" mean in the Bible?

    An heir — one who receives an inheritance, especially as a child of God. The underlying Greek word is κληρονόμος (Klēronomos) ("klay-roh-NAH-mos"), Strong's G2818. The Greek word klēronomos means heir, describing one who receives an inheritance — used in the New Testament for believers who are co-heirs with Christ of God's eternal promises.

    Related Words

    Adoption
    Promise (Epaggelia)
    Kingdom (Basileia)
    Salvation

    Related Reading

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    Word Meaning

    Heir (κληρονόμος (Klēronomos))

    An heir — one who receives an inheritance, especially as a child of God.

    Strong's

    Strong's G2818 — Heir

    κληρονόμος (Klēronomos) • An heir — one who receives an inheritance, especially as a child of God.

    Word Meaning

    Inheritance (κληρονομία (klēronomia))

    The portion received as an heir — God's promised blessings for His children.

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Spiders in a Dream (KJV)

    Traps, deception, and fragile hopes built apart from God.

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of a Car in a Dream (KJV)

    The direction, pace, and ministry of one's life.

    Commentary

    Galatians 3:29 Commentary

    In-depth study • Covenant Inheritance

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