Biblical understanding:
A kingdom is the authority to rule, the sovereignty of the king
There may be a realm over which a king exercises his authority; and there may be the people who belong to that realm and over whom authority is exercised; but these are secondary and derived meanings.
When the word of God in the Bible refers to God�s Kingdom, it always refers to His reign, His rule, His sovereignty
God�s Kingdom is His universal rule, His sovereignty over all the world.
The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Ps.103:19
God�s Kingdom is His power
They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, Ps. 145:11
God�s rule is everlasting
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. Ps. 145:13
The realm of the kingdom is heaven and earth, but there is reference to the permanence of this realm - God�s rule - dominion is everlasting
Synonyms for kingdom: power, might, glory - all expressions of authority
You, O king, are the king of kings. The God of heaven has given you dominion (kingdom) and power and might and glory; Dan.2:37
Kingdom is rule
These terms identify the kingdom as the �rule� which God has given the king
God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.
Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.� Dan.5,26,31
The Babylonian realm and the people was nor brought to and end; they were only transferred to another ruler.
The rule of the king was terminated and given to another King - Darius
Kingdom is authority, the right to rule
And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. (Luke 19:11-12 KJV)
While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. He said: "A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. (Luke 19:11-12 NIV)
When we compare these verses in the two different versions we realise that kingdom (Greek: basileia) is authority, the right to rule. To receive a kingdom is being appointed king. He did not go away to get a realm, an area over which to rule. The territory was there, the people was there, but he had no authority or right to rule, that is what he went away to get. He went away to receive kingly power or authority by being appointed king.