Inheritance is a topic that appears throughout the Bible, both in a physical and spiritual sense.
In ancient times, passing down wealth, land, and blessings from one generation to the next was a significant part of life.
A good inheritance was seen as a sign of God’s favor, while losing an inheritance could bring hardship.
But beyond material possessions, the Bible also speaks of a greater inheritance—the spiritual inheritance that God promises to His people.
This inheritance is eternal and far more valuable than anything that can be passed down in this world.
By understanding what the Bible teaches about inheritance, we can gain a deeper perspective on wealth, legacy, and the promises of God.
Inheritance in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, inheritance was primarily about land and family blessings.
God promised the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants as their inheritance.
Genesis 17:8 says,
The whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.
This promise was a key part of Israel’s history.
The land was divided among the twelve tribes of Israel, and each family was given a portion to pass down to future generations.
Numbers 36:7 explains,
No inheritance in Israel is to pass from one tribe to another, for every Israelite shall keep the tribal inheritance of their ancestors.
The idea of keeping the inheritance within the family was so important that laws were put in place to prevent land from permanently being taken away.
Even if someone sold their land, the Year of Jubilee, which occurred every fifty years, allowed them to reclaim it.
Leviticus 25:23 states,
The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers.
This showed that inheritance was not just about wealth—it was about responsibility, family honor, and God’s provision.
The Role of Firstborn Sons in Inheritance
In biblical times, the firstborn son had a special right to inheritance.
This was known as the birthright.
The firstborn typically received a double portion of the inheritance compared to the other children.
Deuteronomy 21:17 says,
He must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the unloved wife, by giving him a double share of all he has.
That son is the first sign of his father’s strength.
The right of the firstborn, however, was not always guaranteed.
In some cases, God chose to bless a younger son instead of the firstborn.
Jacob, for example, was chosen over Esau, even though Esau was the older brother.
Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew, showing how easily an inheritance could be lost through carelessness.
Genesis 25:34 says,
So Esau despised his birthright.
This event serves as a warning not to take God’s blessings for granted.
Spiritual Inheritance in the New Testament
While the Old Testament focused on material inheritance, the New Testament shifts the focus to spiritual inheritance.
Jesus spoke about an inheritance that was not based on land, wealth, or birth order, but on faith.
Believers in Christ are promised an eternal inheritance—the kingdom of God.
Romans 8:17 explains,
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
This verse teaches that those who follow Christ are considered heirs of God.
They receive an inheritance not because of birthright, but because of their faith in Jesus.
First Peter 1:3-4 describes this inheritance as something far greater than any earthly possession.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade.
This inheritance is not temporary like land or money.
It is eternal, secure, and reserved in heaven for those who belong to God.
Inheritance and the Parable of the Prodigal Son
One of the most well-known stories about inheritance in the Bible is the parable of the prodigal son.
In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus tells the story of a young man who asks for his inheritance while his father is still alive.
The father gives him his share, and the son wastes it on reckless living.
Eventually, he finds himself poor and desperate, realizing that he has lost everything.
He decides to return to his father, hoping to become a servant, but instead, his father welcomes him back with love and forgiveness.
This parable teaches a powerful lesson about inheritance.
The younger son treated his inheritance as something to be used selfishly, but he learned the hard way that wealth without wisdom is meaningless.
The father’s forgiveness shows that no matter how much someone has wasted their blessings, God is always willing to welcome them back.
It is a reminder that the most valuable inheritance is not money, but the love and grace of God.
The Dangers of Greed and Inheritance
The Bible warns about the dangers of greed when it comes to inheritance.
In Luke 12:13-15, someone asked Jesus to settle a dispute about inheritance.
Jesus replied,
Watch out!
Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.
Jesus then told the parable of the rich fool, a man who stored up wealth but did not prepare for eternity.
This story teaches that focusing too much on earthly inheritance can lead to a misplaced sense of security.
Money and possessions do not last forever, but a relationship with God does.
Proverbs 13:22 gives a different perspective on inheritance, saying,
A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.
This verse encourages people to think beyond themselves, leaving behind not just wealth, but a legacy of faith, wisdom, and righteousness.
How Believers Should View Inheritance Today
Inheritance is still an important part of life today, but the Bible teaches that it should not be the main focus of a person’s heart.
While providing for future generations is good, the most valuable inheritance a person can leave is spiritual.
Faith, love, and a life devoted to God are more valuable than money or property.
Matthew 6:19-20 reminds believers,
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
This does not mean that wealth is bad, but it does mean that people should prioritize eternal things over temporary riches.
Teaching children about faith, honesty, and generosity will impact their lives far more than money ever could.
Leaving a legacy of godliness is the greatest inheritance anyone can pass down.
Final Thoughts
The Bible speaks about inheritance in both a physical and spiritual sense.
In the Old Testament, inheritance was about land and family blessings, while in the New Testament, it became about something even greater—the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
While material inheritance is temporary, the inheritance of God’s kingdom lasts forever.
The Bible encourages people to be wise with earthly wealth but to never let it replace the true riches of faith.
Whether someone receives an inheritance or leaves one behind, the most important thing is to trust in God, live righteously, and pass down the values that matter most.
The greatest inheritance anyone can receive is not gold or land, but the gift of salvation and the promise of eternity with God.