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διάδημα (diadēma)

diadēma

diadem

G1238 · Greek · New Testament · 3 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
3 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun diadēma refers to a royal headband or diadem, specifically the blue and white band worn by Persian kings atop their turbans. In the New Testament, this term appears exclusively in Revelation, where it serves as a visual marker of supreme authority and sovereignty. Unlike a simple wreath, which might signify victory or celebration, the diadēma is an unambiguous symbol of kingly power and rule.

This distinction is crucial in John’s apocalyptic imagery. The word describes the crown worn by the dragon in Revelation 12:3 and the beast in Revelation 13:1, highlighting their claim to divine status. It also appears on the head of the faithful witness in Revelation 19:12, contrasting earthly tyranny with Christ’s true kingship. While other Greek words like stephanos denote honor or reward, diadēma points directly to the right to govern.

Etymologically, the word derives from a root meaning "to bind around," emphasizing the band that secures the royal headdress. Its usage in the Septuagint for Hebrew terms related to crowns further cements its association with established monarchy. By employing this specific term, John underscores the serious nature of the conflict: it is not merely a struggle for popularity, but a battle over who holds the legitimate right to rule creation.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word diadēma points to a royal headband worn by kings, marking them as rulers with the right to govern. In Revelation, John uses this specific term to distinguish true sovereignty from mere celebration. While other crowns might symbolize victory or honor, the diadem signals absolute authority and the power to rule.

John places these crowns on figures claiming divine status, such as the dragon and the beast, to show their false and blasphemous challenge to God. Yet, in Revelation 19:12, Christ wears many diadems, displaying His legitimate kingship over all creation. This contrast reminds us that worldly power often mimics divine authority but lacks its true foundation.

For your faith, this imagery offers comfort. The struggles you face may feel like a battle for control, but the text clarifies who truly holds the scepter. Christ’s many crowns assure us that His rule is established and unshakable, inviting you to rest in His secure governance rather than fearing the chaos of earthly powers.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • royal crowns2×
  • royal crowns,1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • διαδήματα2×
  • διαδήματα,1×

Key Verses

  • Revelation of John 12:3
    Another sign was seen in heaven. Behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven crowns.

    This verse places diadems on the dragon’s heads, visually marking his claim to a sovereignty that opposes God.

  • Revelation of John 13:1
    Then I stood on the sand of the sea. I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads. On his horns were ten crowns, and on his heads, blasphemous names.

    Here the beast wears crowns alongside blasphemous names, showing how political power can arrogate divine rights.

  • Revelation of John 19:12
    His eyes are a flame of fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has names written and a name written which no one knows but he himself.

    Christ’s many diadems highlight His supreme and legitimate authority over all creation, contrasting with the false kings above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does diadēma mean in the New Testament?

Diadēma refers to a royal headband or crown worn by kings to signify their right to rule. In Revelation, it marks supreme authority rather than just victory or honor.

How is diadēma different from stephanos?

While stephanos often represents a victor's wreath or reward for achievement, diadēma specifically denotes kingly power and the right to govern. John uses diadēma to emphasize sovereignty.

Why does Christ wear many diadems in Revelation 19?

Christ’s many crowns symbolize His complete and universal authority over all creation. This imagery contrasts with the single or few crowns of false rulers, showing His unique legitimacy.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Revelation of John 3 verses
Revelation of John 12:3

Another sign was seen in heaven. Behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven…

Revelation of John 13:1

Then I stood on the sand of the sea. I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads. On his…

Revelation of John 19:12

His eyes are a flame of fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has names written and a name written which no one…