Lexical Summary stephanos: crown, crowns, wreath Original Word: στέφανος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance crown. From an apparently primary stepho (to twine or wreathe); a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fillet, diadema), literally or figuratively -- crown. see GREEK diadema HELPS Word-studies 4735 stéphanos – properly, a wreath (garland), awarded to a victor in the ancient athletic games (like the Greek Olympics); the crown of victory (versus 1238 /diádēma, "a royal crown"). [4735 (stéphanos) is used of a plaited wreath ("crown"), like the one made of thorns placed on the head of Christ at His trial (Mt 27:29, Mk 15:17; Jn 19:2,5).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom stephó (to encircle) Definition that which surrounds, i.e. a crown NASB Translation crown (14), crowns (3), wreath (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4735: στέφανοςστέφανος, στεφάνου, ὁ (στέφω (to put round; cf. Curtius, § 224)), the Sept. for עֲטָרָה (from Homer down), a crown (with which the head is encircled); a. properly, as a mark of royal or (in general) exalted rank (such passages in the Sept. as 2 Samuel 12:30; 1 Chronicles 20:2; Psalm 20:4 b. metaphorically, α. the eternal blessedness which will be given as a prize to the genuine servants of God and Christ: ὁ τῆς δικαιοσύνης στέφανος, the crown (wreath) which is the reward of righteousness, 2 Timothy 4:8; with an epexegetical genitive in the phrases λαμβάνεσθαι, διδόναι τόν στέφανον τῆς ζωῆς, equivalent to τήν ζωήν ὡς τόν στέφανον, James 1:12; Revelation 2:10; κομίζεσθαι τόν τῆς δόξης στέφανον, 1 Peter 5:4; λαβεῖν τόν στέφανον τίνος, to cause one to fail of the promised and hoped for prize, Revelation 3:11. β. that which is an ornament and honor to one: so of persons, Philippians 4:1; στέφανος καυχήσεως (see καύχησις, 1 Thessalonians 2:19 (Proverbs 12:4; Proverbs 16:31; Proverbs 17:6, etc.). In the Hebrew Scriptures regal and priestly rulers wore crowns as visible tokens of consecration and authority (for example, the high priest’s “holy crown,” Exodus 29:6). In the Hellenistic and Roman worlds a woven wreath signified victory in athletic contests and military triumphs. By the first century these two streams merged: a crown could speak at once of royal dignity, civic honor, or competitive conquest. The New Testament writers draw on all three ideas when they employ στέφανος. Christ’s Crown of Thorns—Suffering before Glory Matthew 27:29, Mark 15:17, and John 19:2–5 describe soldiers twisting thorn branches into a crown and pressing it on Jesus’ head in cruel mockery. Unwittingly they proclaimed Him King. The thorn-crown reverses Eden’s curse (Genesis 3:18) and anticipates His exaltation: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain” (Revelation 5:12). The humiliation underscores a pattern found throughout Scripture—suffering first, glory afterward (Luke 24:26; 1 Peter 1:11). The Athlete’s Crown and Spiritual Discipline Paul borrows imagery from the Isthmian and Olympic games: “Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.” (1 Corinthians 9:25) Followers of Christ pursue holiness and self-control, not for fading laurel but for eternal reward. The comparison legitimizes strenuous effort in the Christian life while refusing any meritorious boast, because the prize is ultimately “the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Promised Crowns for Believers 1. Crown of life – promised to the steadfast under trial: “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10; cf. James 1:12). The variety highlights God’s comprehensive commendation—life, righteousness, glory, and joy—bestowed through grace in response to persevering love and service. Pastoral and Missional Significance Calling fellow believers a “crown” elevates ministry from mere duty to eternal investment. Congregations are not projects but prized trophies of Christ’s gospel triumph. This perspective guards against both clerical pride and indifference; the flock belongs to the Chief Shepherd, and servants await His unfading crown. Eschatological Crowns in Revelation Revelation employs στέφανος seventeen times to portray victory and authority in the last days: Casting Crowns—Worship that Completes Victory The elders’ action (Revelation 4:10) supplies the pattern for eternal worship: honor received becomes honor returned. Any reward given to the saints magnifies divine grace, not human merit. The picture encourages modern believers to steward recognition humbly, ready to lay it at Christ’s feet. Theological Summary The New Testament use of στέφανος bridges mockery and majesty, discipline and delight, present hardship and future reward. It anchors Christian perseverance to a promised inheritance that cannot fade (1 Peter 1:4). Believers therefore strive, suffer, shepherd, and serve in hope of a crown that is “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,” ultimately to be cast before the throne of the One who wore thorns for them. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 27:29 N-AMSGRK: καὶ πλέξαντες στέφανον ἐξ ἀκανθῶν NAS: And after twisting together a crown of thorns, KJV: when they had platted a crown of INT: And having twisted together a crown of thorns Mark 15:17 N-AMS John 19:2 N-AMS John 19:5 N-AMS 1 Corinthians 9:25 N-AMS Philippians 4:1 N-NMS 1 Thessalonians 2:19 N-NMS 2 Timothy 4:8 N-NMS James 1:12 N-AMS 1 Peter 5:4 N-AMS Revelation 2:10 N-AMS Revelation 3:11 N-AMS Revelation 4:4 N-AMP Revelation 4:10 N-AMP Revelation 6:2 N-NMS Revelation 9:7 N-NMP Revelation 12:1 N-NMS Revelation 14:14 N-AMS Strong's Greek 4735 |
    |