from a compound of διά and δέω; a "diadem" (as bound about the head):--crown. Compare στέφανος.
Transliteration:diádēma
Pronunciation:dee-ad'-ay-mah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun διάδημα (diádēma, `{{G1238}}`) is derived from a compound of the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "across," and the verb δέω (deō), meaning "to bind" or "to tie." Etymologically, it signifies "that which is bound around the head." In classical Greek, and particularly in the Septuagint and New Testament, διάδημα refers specifically to a royal headband or a crown that symbolizes imperial, governmental, or sovereign authority. It is distinct from a mere garland or a victor's wreath. Its semantic range is narrow, consistently pointing to the insignia of kingship and absolute rule.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word διάδημα (diádēma, `{{G1238}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Revelation within the New Testament, where its usage is highly symbolic and central to the apocalyptic narrative.
* In [[Revelation 12:3]], the great red dragon, identified as Satan, is depicted with "seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems." These diadems signify the dragon's extensive, though usurped, authority and dominion over the earthly kingdoms, reflecting his desire to mimic and counter God's sovereignty.
* Similarly, in [[Revelation 13:1]], the beast rising out of the sea, representing the antichristian world power, has "ten horns and seven heads, and on its horns were ten diadems." Here, the diadems again denote the beast's widespread, oppressive, and satanically-empowered dominion over the nations, a counterfeit of true divine rule.
* The most profound occurrence is found in [[Revelation 19:12]], where Jesus Christ, the faithful and true Rider on the white horse, is described as having "many diadems on His head." This imagery stands in stark contrast to the single or limited diadems of the dragon and the beast. The "many diadems" on Christ's head unequivocally proclaim His ultimate, supreme, and rightful universal sovereignty over all creation, all nations, and all earthly and spiritual powers. It signifies His absolute kingship, which far surpasses any temporal or demonic claim to authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
A crucial distinction must be made between διάδημα (diádēma, `{{G1238}}`) and στέφανος (stéphanos, `{{G4735}}`). While both are translated as "crown" in English, their nuances in Greek are significant:
* **διάδημα (diádēma, `{{G1238}}`)**: Exclusively denotes a royal or imperial crown, a symbol of sovereign authority and kingship. Its usage in Revelation consistently points to governmental power, whether legitimate (Christ) or usurped (dragon, beast).
* **στέφανος (stéphanos, `{{G4735}}`)**: More broadly refers to a wreath, garland, or crown of honor. It was awarded to victors in athletic contests, to those who achieved civic honors, or as a symbol of joy and celebration. In the New Testament, it often represents a "crown of righteousness," "crown of life," or "crown of glory" awarded to believers for their faithfulness (e.g., [[James 1:12]], [[1 Peter 5:4]], [[Revelation 2:10]], [[Revelation 3:11]]). While στέφανος can sometimes refer to a king's crown in a general sense (e.g., [[Matthew 27:29]]), its primary connotation is not one of imperial sovereignty in the same precise manner as διάδημα. The fact that Christ initially wears a στέφανος in [[Revelation 6:2]] (symbolizing His victory) and later many διάδημα (`{{G1238}}`) in [[Revelation 19:12]] (symbolizing His ultimate universal reign) underscores this important semantic difference.
Related concepts include kingship, dominion, authority, sovereignty, power, and rule.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of διάδημα (diádēma, `{{G1238}}`) lies in its powerful symbolic representation of ultimate authority and sovereignty in the cosmic conflict depicted in Revelation.
* **Usurped Authority:** The presence of diadems on the dragon and the beast highlights the enemy's attempt to usurp divine authority and establish a global, tyrannical dominion. It underscores the deceptive and counterfeit nature of satanic power, which seeks to mimic God's rightful rule.
* **Christ's Supreme Sovereignty:** The image of Christ adorned with "many diadems" is the climactic theological statement regarding His absolute and unchallenged kingship. It declares Him to be the true and ultimate ruler over all creation, whose authority transcends and utterly defeats all earthly and demonic claims to power. This imagery affirms His title as "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" ([[Revelation 19:16]]).
* **Contrast of Kingdoms:** The distinct use of διάδημα (`{{G1238}}`) for Christ versus the dragon/beast, and στέφανος (`{{G4735}}`) for believers, paints a vivid picture of the nature of different "kingdoms." The diadems represent the imperial, governmental power of the world and its ultimate subjugation to Christ, while the crowns of believers represent their participation in Christ's victory and glory, not a claim to earthly political dominion.
### Summary
The Greek word διάδημα (diádēma, `{{G1238}}`) specifically denotes a royal or imperial crown, symbolizing absolute governmental authority and sovereignty. Its exclusive appearance in the book of Revelation underscores its theological weight. In this apocalyptic context, διάδημα (`{{G1238}}`) is used to depict the usurped and oppressive dominion of the dragon and the beast, contrasting sharply with the "many diadems" worn by Jesus Christ. This striking imagery powerfully communicates Christ's ultimate, supreme, and rightful universal sovereignty over all creation and all opposing powers. It is distinct from στέφανος (`{{G4735}}`), which more commonly refers to a victor's wreath or crown of honor, thereby highlighting the unique nature of Christ's imperial reign. The study of διάδημα (`{{G1238}}`) thus deepens our understanding of the cosmic battle for authority and the triumphant, unchallengeable kingship of our Lord.
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