The Two Inheritances: Possession (Klēronomia) vs. Final Lot (Klēros) 🏛️
The New Testament uses two distinct Greek concepts that are often both translated as “inheritance,” but their distinction clarifies that our future reward is not merely a legal right but a specifically measured and personally allotted portion.
1. The Legal Right to Possess: Klēronomia (κληρoνoμιˊα)
- Meaning: This is the standard Greek word for “inheritance” or “possession.” It refers to the legal right to receive goods, property, or a title upon the death of the testator (Christ).
- Theological Focus: Klēronomia describes the totality of the future blessing—the entire Kingdom that is reserved for us. Ephesians 1:11 states that we “have obtained an inheritance (klēronomia),” which is the whole of God’s promised future.
- The Shocking Tie: This word emphasizes the guarantee of the reward, secured by Christ’s death. It is the title deed to the Kingdom.
Klēronomia is the legal possession of the entire Kingdom.
2. The Personal Allotment: Klēros (κλη~ρoς)
- Meaning: This word literally means “lot” or “share.” It refers to a portion of land or goods assigned by casting lots—a specific, measured allotment.
- The Shocking Detail: When the New Testament speaks of the believer’s ultimate portion, it often uses Klēros. For instance, Colossians 1:12 thanks the Father for making us worthy to share in the “inheritance” (klēros) of the saints in light. This is the individual, measured share of the total Klēronomia.
- The Final Reality: The use of Klēros suggests that the eternal reward is not a generic, uniform gift. Just as the tribes of Israel received their specific, distinct lot (klēros) in the promised land, the resurrected saints will receive a specific, unique, and measured portion of the New Heavens and New Earth, corresponding to their unique faithfulness and purpose.
The Eschatological Conclusion
The final reward is a magnificent synthesis:
- The believer receives the legal right (Klēronomia) to the entire Kingdom through Christ.
- Within that Kingdom, the believer receives a specific, measured allotment (Klēros) based on the merit of Christ applied to their fidelity.
The ultimate shocking truth is that the final reward is intensely personal and proportionate—a specific piece of the eternal Kingdom uniquely prepared for and entrusted to each faithful individual.
The Return Question
If the eternal reward is a specific, measured allotment (Klēros) based on faithfulness, what specific gift or talent are you failing to develop and multiply today, risking the loss of a unique, entrusted portion of your final, eternal Klēros?