Lexical Summary stephanoó: To crown, to encircle with a crown, to honor Original Word: στεφανόω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance crown. From stephanos; to adorn with an honorary wreath (literally or figuratively) -- crown. see GREEK stephanos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4737 stephanóō – to crown as victor. See 4735 (stephanos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom stephanos Definition to crown NASB Translation crowned (2), win the prize (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4737: στεφανόωστεφανόω, στεφάνῳ: 1 aorist ἐστεφανωσα; perfect passive participle ἐστεφανωμενος; (στέφανος); from Homer down; a. to encircle with a crown, to crown: the victor in a contest, 2 Timothy 2:5. b. universally, to adorn, to honr: τινα δόξῃ καί τιμή, Hebrews 2:7, 9, from Psalm 8:6. The verb expresses the formal act of placing a wreath or diadem on the head, marking honor, victory, or authority. Although it appears only three times in the New Testament, it gathers up a rich biblical tradition of crowning—from royal enthronement (Psalm 21:3), to joyful celebration (Song of Songs 3:11), to eschatological promise (Isaiah 28:5). Christ’s Exaltation: Hebrews 2 Hebrews employs the verb twice, first to recall humanity’s intended dignity, then to declare its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 2:7 draws from Psalm 8:5: “You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor, and appointed him over the works of Your hands”. Adam was meant to rule creation under God’s authority; sin forfeited that honor. The quotation retains its future force, anticipating restoration. Hebrews 2:9 then proclaims the realization: “We see Jesus … now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death.” The crucified Messiah is exalted as the representative Man. His crowning is not merely personal vindication; it secures the destiny of those united to Him (Hebrews 2:10). Thus the verb underlines the grand movement from humiliation to enthronement. Human Dignity and Restoration By linking Psalm 8 to Jesus, Hebrews shows that the crown originally designed for humanity is now worn by the incarnate Son. The verb therefore carries both anthropological and soteriological weight: it affirms mankind’s worth and announces its recovery in Christ. Believers share in this honor as “brethren” He is not ashamed to call them (Hebrews 2:11). Athletic Contest and Reward: 2 Timothy 2:5 “Likewise, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules”. Here the verb taps the Greco-Roman games imagery. The laurel wreath awarded to victorious athletes illustrates the future reward of faithful servants. Paul draws three lessons: 1. The certainty of reward—there is a real crown. The exhortation guards against antinomianism and shortcuts in service. The “rules” are the apostolic teaching entrusted to Timothy. Greco-Roman Background In Hellenistic culture, wreaths were given to: • Athletes at Olympic, Isthmian, and Pythian games. Such wreaths were usually perishable (pine, celery, olive). Scripture contrasts them with the imperishable crown reserved for believers (1 Corinthians 9:25). The New Testament borrows the image without endorsing pagan cultic elements, investing it with eschatological substance. Theological Themes: Suffering Precedes Glory Both Hebrews and 2 Timothy link the crown to suffering. Jesus is crowned “because He suffered death.” The athlete is crowned after rigorous competition. The pattern is consistent with the broader biblical motif: tribulation now, glory later (Romans 8:17; 1 Peter 5:10). The verb thereby reinforces a theology of the cross and a hope of future vindication. Eschatological Prospect for Believers Although the word itself is not used in eschatological promise passages, it illuminates them. Believers await: • A crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8). Because Christ is already crowned, these rewards are secured. The verb thus stands at the intersection of inaugurated and future eschatology. Pastoral Application 1. Encourage perseverance by reminding congregations that suffering servants will be crowned just as Christ was. Related Biblical Motifs • Royal enthronement (2 Samuel 12:30; Revelation 19:12). Summary The New Testament’s three uses of this verb form a concise theology of the crown: God intended humanity for honor; that honor is realized and modeled in the crowning of Jesus; and faithful believers, enduring hardship and competing lawfully, will share in His glory. Englishman's Concordance 2 Timothy 2:5 V-PIM/P-3SGRK: τις οὐ στεφανοῦται ἐὰν μὴ NAS: as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless KJV: not crowned, except INT: anyone not he is crowned if not Hebrews 2:7 V-AIA-2S Hebrews 2:9 V-RPM/P-AMS Strong's Greek 4737 |
    |