from an apparently primary (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, διάδημα), literally or figuratively:--crown.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun στέφανος (stéphanos, `{{G4735}}`) derives from an apparent primary verb meaning "to twine or wreathe." Its core meaning refers to a chaplet, garland, or wreath, typically made of leaves, flowers, or even precious metals. Unlike διάδημα (diadēma, `{{G1238}}`), which denotes a royal diadem or an inherent symbol of sovereignty, stéphanos primarily signifies an earned distinction. It served multiple purposes in the ancient world:
1. **Athletic Prize:** Awarded to victors in games, symbolizing achievement and honor.
2. **Festive Adornment:** Worn at banquets, weddings, or celebrations.
3. **Symbol of Honor/Distinction:** Bestowed upon individuals for public service or military success.
4. **Mark of Royalty/Authority:** Though less common than diadēma for inherent kingship, it could also be a symbol of royal power or a victor's authority, especially in a context of triumph.
The semantic range thus extends from a literal wreath to a figurative representation of honor, reward, victory, or even suffering, depending on the context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term stéphanos appears frequently in the New Testament, often bearing significant theological weight:
* **Reward for Faithfulness and Perseverance:** This is perhaps the most prevalent and encouraging use.
* In [[1 Corinthians 9:25]], Paul contrasts the perishable wreath of earthly athletes with the "imperishable stéphanos" that believers strive for, emphasizing the eternal nature of the divine reward.
* [[2 Timothy 4:8]] speaks of the "crown of righteousness" laid up for Paul and all who have loved Christ's appearing, highlighting the eschatological reward for a life lived in fidelity to the Gospel.
* [[James 1:12]] promises the "crown of life" to those who endure testing, emphasizing perseverance in faith as a prerequisite for this divine commendation.
* [[1 Peter 5:4]] refers to the "unfading stéphanos of glory" awaiting faithful elders (shepherds of the flock), underscoring the enduring nature of God's honor for diligent service.
* [[Revelation 2:10]] also promises the "crown of life" to those who are faithful unto death, reinforcing the theme of martyrdom and ultimate vindication.
* In [[Revelation 3:11]], believers are exhorted to hold fast to what they have, "so that no one will take your crown," implying that the reward is contingent upon continued faithfulness.
* **Symbol of Authority and Victory:**
* The twenty-four elders in [[Revelation 4:4]] and [[Revelation 4:10]] are depicted wearing "golden crowns," signifying their royal status and priestly authority in heavenly worship.
* In [[Revelation 6:2]], the rider on the white horse (often interpreted as a figure of conquest or even Christ's triumph) is given a stéphanos, symbolizing victory and authority.
* [[Revelation 14:14]] describes "one like a son of man" with a "golden stéphanos on His head," indicative of His sovereign authority and readiness for judgment.
* **Crown of Thorns (Suffering and Mockery):**
* A profoundly significant and ironic use of stéphanos is found in the Passion narratives: [[Matthew 27:29]], [[Mark 15:17]], [[John 19:2]], and [[John 19:5]]. Here, soldiers twist together a wreath of thorns and place it on Jesus' head to mock His claim to kingship. This stéphanos of suffering, intended as an insult, paradoxically becomes a symbol of His true, though unconventional, kingship achieved through humiliation and sacrifice, ultimately leading to His triumph over sin and death.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most crucial related word is διάδημα (diadēma, `{{G1238}}`), the royal diadem. While both can signify royalty, stéphanos typically denotes a crown of victory, honor, or achievement (something earned or bestowed), whereas diadēma represents inherent sovereign power or imperial rule. For instance, Christ wears many diadēmata in [[Revelation 19:12]], signifying His absolute, inherent authority, in contrast to the stéphanos of thorns He wore in His humiliation.
Other related concepts include:
* ἀγών (agōn, `{{G73}}`): The struggle or contest, particularly the Christian life as a race (e.g., [[Hebrews 12:1]]), for which the stéphanos is the prize.
* νῖκος (nikos, `{{G3529}}`): Victory, of which the stéphanos is the tangible symbol.
* ἔπαινος (epainos, `{{G1868}}`): Praise or commendation, often associated with the honor represented by the stéphanos.
* δόξα (doxa, `{{G1391}}`): Glory, especially in the context of the "crown of glory" ([[1 Peter 5:4]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of stéphanos is rich and multifaceted:
1. **Eschatological Hope and Motivation:** The promise of the various "crowns" (of righteousness, life, glory) serves as a powerful incentive for believers to persevere in faith, endure trials, and live righteously. It underscores the belief that faithfulness in this life will be eternally rewarded by God, providing a transcendent purpose beyond temporal gains.
2. **Christ's Redemptive Suffering and Triumph:** The "crown of thorns" is central to understanding Christ's path to kingship. It signifies His willingness to endure ultimate humiliation and suffering, not as a defeat, but as the very means by which He achieved victory over sin and death. His stéphanos of thorns foreshadows His true, eternal diadēma. It reveals a divine paradox: true glory is achieved through self-sacrifice.
3. **The Nature of Christian Service:** The stéphanos awarded to faithful servants (like elders in [[1 Peter 5:4]]) highlights that Christian leadership and service are not about self-exaltation but about diligent, humble shepherding, for which God Himself will provide the ultimate, unfading honor.
4. **Divine Commendation and Approval:** Ultimately, the stéphanos represents God's "well done," His public affirmation and honor for those who have lived in accordance with His will and remained faithful to Him, even unto death. It signifies entrance into the full enjoyment of His presence and kingdom.
### Summary
The Greek word στέφανος (stéphanos, `{{G4735}}`) denotes a wreath or chaplet, fundamentally a symbol of victory, honor, or achievement. In the New Testament, its usage carries profound theological weight. Most prominently, it represents the eschatological reward for believers who persevere in faith, endure trials, and live righteously, promising an "imperishable," "unfading" "crown of righteousness," "life," or "glory." This serves as a powerful motivation for Christian living. Crucially, stéphanos also features in the Passion of Christ as the "crown of thorns," an ironic symbol of mockery that paradoxically underscores His true kingship achieved through suffering and sacrifice. Distinct from διάδημα (diadēma, `{{G1238}}`), which signifies inherent royal authority, stéphanos emphasizes earned honor and achieved triumph, making it a powerful emblem of divine commendation for faithfulness and perseverance in the Christian journey.
TRV