4725. stemma

Lexicon

stemma: Crown, wreath, garland

Original Word: στέμμα
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: stemma
Pronunciation: STEM-mah
Phonetic Spelling: (stem'-mah)
Definition: Crown, wreath, garland
Meaning: a garland, wreath, crown.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

garland.

From the base of stephanos; a wreath for show -- garland.

see GREEK stephanos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from the same as stephanos
Definition
a wreath
NASB Translation
garlands (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4725: στέμμα

στέμμα, στεμματος, τό (στέφω, perfect passive ἔστεμμαι, to crown, to bind round), a fillet, a garland, put upon victims: Acts 14:13 (cf. Winers Grammar, 630 (585); B. D. American edition under the word ). (From Homer down.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb στέφω (stéphō), meaning "to encircle" or "to crown."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Hebrew 5850 (עֲטָרָה, atarah): Refers to a crown or wreath, often used in the Old Testament to symbolize honor and authority. For example, Proverbs 12:4 speaks of a "crown of glory."
• Strong's Hebrew 5145 (נֵזֶר, nezer): Refers to a consecrated crown or diadem, often associated with priestly or royal status, as seen in Exodus 29:6 and 2 Samuel 1:10.

These Hebrew terms, like στέμμα, convey the themes of honor, authority, and divine favor, providing a rich tapestry of meaning that spans both the Old and New Testaments.

Usage: The term στέμμα is used in classical Greek literature to denote a crown or garland, often associated with victory in athletic contests, religious ceremonies, or as a mark of honor. In the New Testament, the concept of a crown is more frequently represented by the related term στέφανος (stephanos), which carries similar connotations of victory and honor.

Context: The term στέμμα, while not directly appearing in the New Testament, is closely related to the concept of crowns and wreaths that are prevalent in biblical imagery. Crowns in the biblical context often symbolize victory, authority, and eternal life. The imagery of a crown is used metaphorically to describe the rewards awaiting believers in the afterlife, as seen in passages like 2 Timothy 4:8, where the "crown of righteousness" is mentioned, and James 1:12, which speaks of the "crown of life."

In the Greco-Roman world, a στέμμα would be worn by victors in athletic competitions, such as the Olympic Games, and by participants in religious festivals. This cultural background enriches the understanding of New Testament passages that speak of crowns, as they convey the idea of spiritual triumph and divine approval.

The concept of a crown is also significant in the apocalyptic literature of the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Revelation, where crowns are symbols of authority and victory over evil (e.g., Revelation 2:10, 3:11). The imagery of a crown serves to encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith, with the promise of eternal reward.

Forms and Transliterations

στεμματα στέμματα στεμφύλων stemmata stémmata

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 14:13 N-ANP
GRK: ταύρους καὶ στέμματα ἐπὶ τοὺς
NAS: oxen and garlands to the gates,
KJV: oxen and garlands unto the gates,
INT: oxen and wreaths to the

Strong's Greek 4725
1 Occurrence

στέμματα — 1 Occ.