inherit, inheritance, heir

Definition

The term “inherit” refers to receiving something valuable from a parent after a parent dies. The term can also refer to receiving something valuable from some other person because of a special relationship with that person. An “inheritance” is the things that are received, and an “heir” is a person who receives an inheritance.

• A physical inheritance that is received may be money, land, or other kinds of property.
• God promised Abraham and his descendants that they would inherit the land of Canaan, that it would belong to them forever.

Translation Suggestions

• As always, consider first whether there are already terms in the target language for the concept of an heir or an inheritance, and use those terms.
• Depending on the context, other ways that the term “inherit” could be translated might include “receive” or “possess” or “come into possession of.”
• Ways to translate “inheritance” could include “promised gift” or “secure possession.”
• The term “heir” could be translated with a word or phrase that means “privileged child who receives the father’s possessions.”
• The term “heritage” could be translated as “inherited blessings.”

(See also: heir, Canaan, Promised Land, possess)

Bible References

• 1 Corinthians 6:9
• 1 Peter 1:4
• 2 Samuel 21:3
• Acts 7:4-5
• Deuteronomy 20:16
• Galatians 5:21
• Genesis 15:7
• Hebrews 9:15
• Jeremiah 2:7
• Luke 15:11
• Matthew 19:29
• Psalm 79:1

Examples from the Bible stories

• __4:6 When Abram arrived in Canaan God said, “Look all around you. I will give to you and your descendants all the land that you can see as an inheritance__.”
• __27:1 One day, an expert in the Jewish law came to Jesus to test him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit__ eternal life?”
• __35:3 “There was a man who had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘Father, I want my inheritance__ now!’ So the father divided his property between the two sons.”

Word Data

• Strong’s: H2490, H2506, H3423, H3425, H4181, H5157, H5159, G28160, G28170, G28190, G28200