Lexical Summary diadéma: Diadem, Crown Original Word: διάδημα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance crown. From a compound of dia and deo; a "diadem" (as bound about the head) -- crown. Compare stephanos. see GREEK dia see GREEK deo see GREEK stephanos HELPS Word-studies 1238 diádēma – properly, a royal crown: "a narrow filet encircling the brow," a "kingly ornament for the head" (R. Trench, 78). 1238 /diádēma ("a royal crown") is used three times in the NT – referring to: a) the pagan empires of ancient history which opposed God (Rev 12:3); b) the end-times coalition led by Antichrist (Rev 13:1); and c) the infinite majesty (kingship) of Christ (Rev 19:12). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom diadeó (to bind around) Definition a diadem, a crown NASB Translation diadems (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1238: διάδημαδιάδημα, διαδήματος, τό (διαδέω, to bind round), a diadem, i. e. the blue band marked with white with which Persian kings used to bind on the turban or tiara; the kingly ornament for the head: Revelation 12:3; Revelation 13:1; Revelation 19:12. (Xenophon, Cyril 8, 3, 13; Esther 1:11; Esther 2:17 for כֶּתֶר; 1 Macc. 1:9.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Distinction from “Stephanos” διαδήματα denotes the royal band or jeweled fillet that signifies inherent sovereignty. Unlike στέφανος (the victor’s wreath or reward), the διαδήμα is never earned on a field of contest; it is the emblem of native or conferred kingship. Occurrences in Revelation • Revelation 12:3 – seven heads, ten horns, “and on his heads were seven diadems.” The term is found nowhere else in the New Testament, focusing all attention on the climactic struggle between illegitimate and rightful rule. Symbolism of Authority and Kingship A diadem publicly announces who possesses the throne. Scripture uses the image to contrast temporary, usurped power with eternal, legitimate dominion. Numbered diadems imply measured, limited sovereignty; “many diadems” suggests boundless rule. Counterfeit Crowns: Dragon and Beast Satan and his earthly proxy flaunt diadems to imitate divine majesty. Their crowns bear blasphemous names (Revelation 13:1), revealing an authority that is both derivative and defiant. The vision warns believers that spiritual rebellion often wears the regalia of political grandeur. True Kingship: The Rider on the White Horse Jesus Christ appears “Faithful and True,” judging and waging war in righteousness; “on His head are many diadems” (Revelation 19:11-16). No enumeration can contain His rule. Where the dragon’s and beast’s diadems are counted, Christ’s cannot be numbered, emphasizing His universal, uncontested lordship. Old Testament Background The Septuagint uses διαδήμα for royal and priestly headgear (Isaiah 62:3; Ezekiel 21:26; Zechariah 9:16). Isaiah promises Zion will be “a royal diadem in the palm of your God,” prefiguring the final unveiling of redeemed royalty under the Messiah. Historical and Cultural Context Persian monarchs popularized the diadem as a purple or white band studded with jewels; Hellenistic kings and later Roman emperors adopted it. In John’s day, wearing a diadem in public without imperial sanction risked charges of treason. The Apocalypse therefore speaks directly to first-century believers confronting Caesar-worship: allegiance belongs to the Lamb, not to imperial pretenders. Theological Significance 1. Divine sovereignty—Christ’s “many diadems” certify His absolute rule over heaven and earth. Application for the Church • Worship the enthroned Christ, acknowledging His unrivaled crown (Revelation 5:12). Forms and Transliterations διάδημα διαδηματα διαδήματα diademata diadēmata diadḗmataLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Revelation 12:3 N-ANPGRK: αὐτοῦ ἑπτὰ διαδήματα NAS: and on his heads [were] seven diadems. KJV: and seven crowns upon his INT: of him seven diadems Revelation 13:1 N-ANP Revelation 19:12 N-NNP |
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