Meaning
A portion is a part or share of something that is assigned, received, possessed, or set apart for a person or group.
Biblical Usage
In the Bible, a portion is a part or share belonging to or received by a person or group. It can refer to food, possessions, land, inheritance, or another assigned share.
The term is also used of a person’s relationship with God. David said, “The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance,” describing God Himself as his appointed share and inheritance. Similar language appears elsewhere in Scripture when God is described as the portion of His people.
The concept is closely related to allotment, inheritance, and lot. An allotment emphasizes a share that is assigned; inheritance emphasizes what is received or possessed as an inheritance; portion emphasizes the share itself.
Key References
Genesis 43:34 — Joseph’s brothers received portions from the meal before them.
Joshua 18:10 — Joshua divided the land among the children of Israel by lot.
Psalm 16:5 — David declared that the LORD was the portion of his inheritance.
Psalm 73:26 — The psalmist declared, “God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”
Psalm 119:57 — The psalmist declared the LORD to be his portion.
Lamentations 3:24 — The LORD is described as the portion of the speaker’s soul.
Colossians 1:12 — Believers are described as partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.
Related Terms
- Allotment
- Inheritance
- Heritage
- Lot
- Possession
- Territory