"a lot, die, a thing used in determining chances, Mt. 27:35; Mk. 15:24; Lk. 23:34; Jn. 19:24; Acts 1:26; assignment, investiture, Acts 1:17; allotment, destination, Col. 1:12; a part, portion, share, Acts 8:21; 26:18; a constituent portion of the Church, 1 Pet. 5:3*"
Definition and meaning
a lot, die, a thing used in determining chances, Mt. 27:35; Mk. 15:24; Lk. 23:34; Jn. 19:24; Acts 1:26; assignment, investiture, Acts 1:17; allotment, destination, Col. 1:12; a part, portion, share, Acts 8:21; 26:18; a constituent portion of the Church, 1 Pet. 5:3*
In the original Greek the word is written: κλῆρος
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of kleros (G2819) across the King James Bible.
And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.
For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
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Common questions
Strong's G2819 (kleros) is a Greek word that means: a lot, die, a thing used in determining chances, Mt. 27:35; Mk. 15:24; Lk. 23:34; Jn. 19:24; Acts 1:26; assignment, investiture, Acts 1:17; allotment, destination, Col. 1:12; a part, portion, share, A... It appears 11 times in the King James Bible.
The word kleros (G2819) appears 11 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2819 is kleros, a Greek word defined as: a lot, die, a thing used in determining chances, Mt. 27:35; Mk. 15:24; Lk. 23:34; Jn. 19:24; Acts 1:26; assignment, investiture, Acts 1:17; allotment,. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
kleros is a Greek word found in the New Testament.