### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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