Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of "inherited" in the Bible often pertains to the transmission of property, blessings, or traits from one generation to another. This idea is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is significant in understanding the covenantal promises, familial relationships, and spiritual legacies within Scripture.
Inheritance in the Old TestamentIn the Old Testament, inheritance is primarily associated with the land and the promises given to the patriarchs. God promised Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land of Canaan (
Genesis 15:18-21). This promise was reiterated to Isaac and Jacob, establishing a divine covenant that underscored the importance of land as a tangible sign of God's blessing and faithfulness.
The division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, as detailed in the Book of Joshua, further illustrates the concept of inheritance. Each tribe received a portion of land as their inheritance, which was to be passed down through generations (Joshua 13-21). The land was not merely a possession but a sacred trust, symbolizing the Israelites' relationship with God.
Inheritance laws in the Mosaic Law also reflect the importance of maintaining family lineage and property within the tribe. For example, the daughters of Zelophehad successfully petitioned for the right to inherit their father's land, setting a precedent for inheritance rights for women in the absence of male heirs (
Numbers 27:1-11).
Inheritance in the New TestamentIn the New Testament, the concept of inheritance takes on a more spiritual dimension. Believers are described as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, emphasizing the spiritual blessings and eternal life promised to those who are in Christ (
Romans 8:17). This inheritance is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for believers (
1 Peter 1:4).
The Apostle Paul frequently uses the language of inheritance to describe the believer's relationship with God. In
Ephesians 1:11, he writes, "In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will." This passage highlights the divine initiative and grace involved in the believer's inheritance.
Furthermore, the New Testament emphasizes the idea of spiritual inheritance as a fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham.
Galatians 3:29 states, "And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise." This indicates that the inheritance is not limited to ethnic Israel but extends to all who have faith in Christ.
Inherited Sin and RighteousnessThe Bible also addresses the concept of inherited sin, often referred to as original sin. This doctrine is based on the belief that the sin of Adam and Eve has been passed down to all humanity, resulting in a fallen nature (
Romans 5:12-19). This inherited sin necessitates redemption, which is provided through Jesus Christ.
Conversely, righteousness is also described as an inheritance for believers. Through faith in Christ, believers inherit the righteousness of God, which is imputed to them, allowing them to stand justified before God (
2 Corinthians 5:21).
ConclusionThe biblical concept of inheritance encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, reflecting God's promises and the believer's identity in Christ. It serves as a reminder of the continuity of God's covenantal faithfulness and the hope of eternal life for those who are in Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Inherit.
Greek
3970. patroparadotos -- one who kills one's father... one's father. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: patroparadotos Phonetic
Spelling: (pat-rop-ar-ad'-ot-os) Short Definition:
inherited Definition: handed
...3970b. patroparadotos -- handed down from one's fathers
... 3970a, 3970b. patroparadotos. 3971 . handed down from one's fathers.
Transliteration: patroparadotos Short Definition:inherited....
2816. kleronomeo -- to inherit
... inheritance.]. Word Origin from kleronomos Definition to inherit NASB Word
Usage heir (1), inherit (16),inherited (1). to inherit....
Strong's Hebrew
5159. nachalah -- possession, property, inheritance... From nachal (in its usual sense); properly, something
inherited, ie (abstractly)
occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or
...5157. nachal -- to get or take as a possession
... inheritance (1), give as a possession (1), give...possession (1), have (2), have
an inheritance (2), inherit (16), inheritance (8),inherited (3), inherits (1...
Library
Inherited Characteristics.
... Chapter II Character. Section 2.Inherited Characteristics. The fact of
the inheritance of character, virtues or vices as the case...
Now of These one Fell under a Curse, and the Two OthersInherited...
... THE DEMONSTRATION OF THE APOSTOLIC PREACHING Chapter 20 Now of these one
fell under a curse, and the two othersinherited a blessing?...
Guiltless and Without Sin.
... It is our misery, by virtue of theinherited guilt of Adam, that we can not live
and act but as partakers of the flesh and blood corrupted by the fall....
Parental Duty.
... All children have to contend with bad qualities that have beeninherited.... Point out
the effect of this sin upon the one from whom it wasinherited....
Showing How that Passage of the Apostle which the Heretics Pervert...
... 4. If, however, we must speak strictly, [we would say that] the flesh does not inherit,
but isinherited; as also the Lord declares, "Blessed are the meek, for...
The Person Sanctified.
... If sanctification has reference to theinherited stain, as justification to the
inherited guilt, it follows that sanctification must extend as far as the...
Sin not Material.
... doctrine. And yet it is only in the doctrine ofinherited sin that this
error is so conspicuous that it can not escape detection:...
Introductory Chapter
... 2. Abraham was the father of both a literal and a spiritual seed, the firstinherited
literal Canaan and the secondinherited spiritual Canaan (Romans 4...
Debate on the Proposed Invasion of Greece.
... Counselors of Xerxes."Age and character of Mardonius."The avenues to renown."Blood
inherited and blood shed."Character of Artabanus."His advice to...
The Place of the Old Testament in Divine Revelation
... The wandering, nomadic life leaves no place for established sanctuaries, with their
elaborate ceremonial customs and debasing institutionsinherited from more...
Thesaurus
Inherited (23 Occurrences)...Inherited (23 Occurrences). Hebrews 1:4 having become so much better than the angels,
as he has
inherited a more excellent name than they have.
...Patrimony (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A right or estateinherited from one's
father; or, in a larger sense, from any ancestor. 2. (n...
Birthright (10 Occurrences)
... (3.) The first-borninherited the judicial authority of his father, whatever it
might be (2 Chronicles 21:3). By divine appointment, however, David excluded...
Sin (782 Occurrences)
... "Original sin" is frequently and properly used to denote only the moral corruption
of their whole natureinherited by all men from Adam....
Wife (437 Occurrences)
... had left no sons, and in case there was no brother-in-law, the duty of marriage
devolved on the father-in-law or the agnate whoinherited, whoever this might be...
Brother's (46 Occurrences)
... had left no sons, and in case there was no brother-in-law, the duty of marriage
devolved on the father-in-law or the agnate whoinherited, whoever this might be...
Inheritance (263 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) That which is or may beinherited; that which is derived by an heir from
an ancestor or other person; a heritage; a possession which passes by descent....
Inheritances (7 Occurrences)
Inherit (98 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Hebrews 1:4 having become so much better
than the angels, as he hasinherited a more excellent name than they have....
Herod (45 Occurrences)
... In a family like that of Antipus and Antipater, talent must necessarily be hereditary,
and Herodinherited it more largely than any of his brothers....
Resources
What is the definition of sin? | GotQuestions.orgDid we all inherit sin from Adam and Eve? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that all have sinned? | GotQuestions.orgInherited: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
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