Heir

Concept

Inheritance and heirship in ancient Israel followed patrilineal primogeniture — the firstborn son received a double portion of the father's estate (Deut. 21:17). If a man had no sons, daughters could inherit on condition they marry within their tribe (Num. 27:1–11; 36). The laws of inheritance in Numbers 27 and 36 were established through the case of Zelophehad's daughters. In the New Testament, "heir" becomes a central theological metaphor: believers are described as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17), heirs of the kingdom promised to those who love God (James 2:5), and heirs of salvation (Heb. 1:14). The parable of the wicked tenants uses the language of "the heir" for the Son who is rejected and killed (Matt. 21:38). Christ himself is declared heir of all things (Heb. 1:2).