The Bible has a lot to say about inheritance and how it relates to God’s people. Here is an overview of some key Bible verses about inheritance:
Inheritance as a gift from God
The Old Testament often presents the Promised Land as an inheritance for God’s people. God promises to give the land of Canaan as an inheritance to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 15:7, 28:4). After bringing the Israelites out of Egypt, God prepares to give them the land He promised (Numbers 34:2). Joshua allocates the territories among the tribes as their inheritance (Joshua 13-19). Owning land was seen as a gift and blessing from God.
“The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine. For you are strangers and sojourners with me.” (Leviticus 25:23)
“And behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” (Genesis 28:15)
Inheritance rights under the Law
The Mosaic Law contains regulations about inheritance rights. The firstborn son was entitled to a double portion of the inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:17). Daughters could inherit if there were no sons (Numbers 27:8). Inheritances were intended to stay within families and tribes (Numbers 36:7-9). Under the Year of Jubilee, property was to revert to the original inheriting family (Leviticus 25:13).
“The firstborn receives a double portion of all that he has, for he is the firstfruits of his strength. The right of the firstborn is his.” (Deuteronomy 21:17)
“Say to the people of Israel, ‘If a man dies and has no son, then you shall transfer his inheritance to his daughter.'” (Numbers 27:8)
God’s people inherit blessings
The Psalms and Prophets describe how God’s people inherit blessings like righteousness, salvation, and life. Those who fear the Lord gain an inheritance of abundance and prosperity (Psalm 111:5, Job 42:15). The meek will inherit the earth (Psalm 37:11).
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)
“For the upright will inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it.” (Proverbs 2:21)
Inheriting the promises through faith
The New Testament explains how Abraham inherited God’s promise through faith (Hebrews 6:12). Those who share in Abraham’s faith are heirs to that same blessing and promise of salvation (Galatians 3:29). Believers become fellow heirs with Christ through faith and adoption into God’s family (Romans 8:17).
“That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16)
“So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” (Galatians 4:7)
Our eternal inheritance in Heaven
The New Testament emphasizes the eternal inheritance believers will receive in heaven. Our inheritance is imperishable and undefiled (1 Peter 1:4). Jesus promises His followers will inherit eternal life (Matthew 19:29). Part of our heavenly inheritance includes resurrection bodies like Christ’s glorious body (1 Corinthians 15:50-54).
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:3-4)
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21)
Responsibilities of inheritors
The Bible offers sober warnings about how inheritors should view wealth and possessions. Riches can become a stumbling block to those who trust in them (Jeremiah 49:4). Inherited possessions shouldn’t be seen as guarantees of security (Psalm 49:16-17). Wisdom and humility are needed alongside inherited wealth (Ecclesiastes 2:18-19).
“I hated all my toil in which I toil under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who will come after me.” (Ecclesiastes 2:18)
“Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them.” (Psalm 49:16-17)
“Because you trusted in your works and your treasures, you also shall be taken; and Chemosh shall go into exile with his priests and his officials.” (Jeremiah 48:7)
Inheritance can be forfeited
The Bible contains examples of people who forfeited their inheritance due to sin and disobedience. Esau traded his birthright for food, losing his privileged inheritance status (Genesis 25:29-34). The tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh lost their intended territorial inheritance east of the Jordan by failing to help conquer Canaan (Numbers 32, Joshua 22:9-34).
The Prodigal Son wasted his inheritance with reckless living (Luke 15:11-13). Under the Law, certain sins could result in people being cut off from the community and losing inheritance rights (Exodus 21:14, Numbers 15:30-31). New Testament writers warn against forfeiting our heavenly inheritance by falling away from faith (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:21).
“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” (Ephesians 5:6)
“For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.” (Hebrews 12:17)
Jesus Christ is the ultimate inheritance
The Bible shows that Jesus Christ Himself is the supreme inheritance believers receive. God promises His Son as an inheritance for the nations through the Davidic Covenant (Psalm 2:8). At the final judgment, the righteous will inherit the kingdom prepared for them by Christ (Matthew 25:34). Believers experience the guarantee and firstfruits of their inheritance by receiving the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14).
“And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” (John 1:16)
“To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)
“Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.'” (Matthew 19:28)
Our response to inherit God’s promises
How should we respond to the amazing inheritance God offers? We are called to glorify God for His generous gifts (1 Peter 4:16). We should aim to live holy lives that reflect our new status as heirs (Titus 2:11-14). And we should serve others generously since all our possessions ultimately come from God (2 Corinthians 9:12-13).
“And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” (Revelation 5:9)
“So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.” (Romans 8:12)
“All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.” (Acts 1:14)
Inheritance is a major theme throughout Scripture. God blesses His people with the gift of eternal inheritance through Christ. This inheritance comes through God’s grace, not human effort. As inheritors, believers are called to live in reverence of God as we await the full riches of our inheritance to come. The Bible provides both warning and encouragement when it comes to how we should view inherited wealth and possessions. Most importantly, Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate inheritance believers receive, providing riches beyond compare for eternity.