lit. denotes "one who obtains a lot or portion" (kleros, "a lot," nemomai, "to possess"), especially of an inheritance. The NT usage may be analyzed as under: "(a) the person to whom property is to pass on the death of the owner, Matthew 21:38; Mark 12:7; Luke 20:14; Galatians 4:1; (b) one to whom something has been assigned by God, on possession of which, however, he has not yet entered, as Abraham, Romans 4:13,14; Hebrews 6:17; Christ, Hebrews 1:2; the poor saints, James 2:5; (c) believers, inasmuch as they share in the new order of things to be ushered in at the return of Christ, Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:29; 4:7; Titus 3:7; (d) one who receives something other than by merit, as Noah, Hebrews 11:7 ." * [* From Notes on Galatians, by Hogg and Vine, pp. 177,178.]
In the Sept., Judges 18:7; 2 Samuel 14:7; Jeremiah 8:10; Micah 1:15 ."a joint-heir, co-inheritor" (sun, "with," and No. 1), "is used of Issac and Jacob as participants with Abraham in the promises of God, Hebrews 11:9; of husband and wife who are also united in Christ, 1 Peter 3:7; of Gentiles who believe, as participants in the Gospel with Jews who believe, Ephesians 3:6; and of all believers as prospective participants with Christ in His glory, as recompense for their participation in His sufferings, Romans 8:17 ." * [* ibid, p. 178.]
"to be an heir to, to inherit" (see A, No. 1), is rendered "shall (not) inherit with" in Galatians 4:30 , RV, AV, "shall (not) be heir with;" in Hebrews 1:14 , RV, "shall inherit," AV, "shall be heirs of." See INHERIT. Cp. kleroomai, "to be taken as an inheritance," kleronomia, "an inheritance," kleros, "a lot, an inheritance."