The Greek word stémma, represented by G4725, refers to a wreath for show or a garland. It is derived from the same base as stéphanos. The word is extremely rare in scripture, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse.
The single biblical use of G4725 occurs in the context of pagan worship. In Acts, the priest G2409 of Jupiter G2203 brought oxen G5022 and garlands G4725 to the city gates. His intention was to offer a sacrifice with the people, demonstrating that these wreaths were part of a religious ceremony dedicated to a pagan deity Acts 14:13.
Several related words help clarify the context of this scene:
- G2409 hiereús (priest): This word, meaning "a priest (literally or figuratively)," identifies the religious figure who brought the garlands for the pagan rite.
- G2203 Zeús (Jupiter): Defined as "the supreme deity of the Greeks," this is the pagan god to whom the priest and the people intended to offer the sacrifice Acts 14:13.
- G2380 thýō (to sacrifice): This verb means to "slaughter for any purpose" or "to sacrifice." It describes the action for which the garlands and oxen were prepared.
- G5022 taûros (oxen): Meaning "a bullock," this specifies the animals brought alongside the garlands as part of the intended offering Acts 14:13.
The theological significance of G4725 is derived entirely from its singular context, which illustrates a clash between paganism and the Gospel.
- Pagan Ritual: The word is used exclusively to denote an object of pagan religious ceremony. The garlands were part of the customary adornments for an animal sacrifice offered to a false god.
- Misdirected Worship: The event in Acts shows the people and their priest attempting to worship men (Paul and Barnabas) as if they were gods, specifically Jupiter G2203 and Mercurius Acts 14:12-13. The garlands are therefore symbols of this profound theological error.
- Contrast with True Worship: By appearing in this scene of misguided devotion, the term implicitly contrasts the external, ritualistic elements of paganism, like garlands and oxen, with the true worship of God as taught by the apostles.
In summary, stémma G4725 is a highly specific term for a garland used in a pagan ritual. Its sole appearance in the Bible Acts 14:13 embeds it within the narrative of the early church's confrontation with pagan culture. The word's importance lies not in its frequency, but in its function as a detail that paints a vivid picture of the misdirected worship and idolatrous practices that the Gospel came to correct.
TRV