στέφανος (stephanos)
stephanos
crown
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 18 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word stephanos refers to a wreath or garland woven from leaves or flowers, distinct from the solid metal disk worn by kings. In the ancient world, this was the prize awarded to victors in athletic games and public contests, symbolizing honor achieved through effort rather than inherited status. The New Testament uses it eighteen times, often contrasting this perishable wreath with the eternal reward promised to believers.
Its root meaning is "to encircle," reflecting how the foliage wraps around the head. This imagery appears in vivid scenes, such as soldiers placing a crown of thorns on Jesus (John 19:2), and in promises of future glory, like the "crown of life" given to those who remain faithful under trial (Revelation 2:10). It serves as a metaphor for the eternal blessedness awaiting genuine servants of God.
Translators typically render stephanos as "crown," but the specific nuance is that of a victory wreath. While other Greek words denote royal authority, stephanos highlights the joy and recognition of a contest well-run. It reminds readers that Christian endurance is not passive waiting but an active striving toward a prize that never fades.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word stephanos brings to mind the victory wreath given to athletes in ancient games, not the heavy gold disk of a king. This distinction matters because it shifts our focus from inherited status to earned reward through endurance. When we read about this crown, we are invited to see our spiritual life as an active race where perseverance is valued.
Consider how John describes Jesus wearing a crown of thorns (John 19:2). What began as an instrument of mockery became the ultimate symbol of victory over sin and death. This shows that true honor often comes through suffering and faithfulness rather than worldly success.
For your daily walk, this means your efforts to remain faithful are seen and will be rewarded. The promise is not just for super-saints but for anyone who loves His appearing. You can trust that the prize waiting for you is eternal and uncorruptible, unlike anything the world offers.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- crown8×
- a crown5×
- crowns3×
- crown.1×
- a crown,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- στέφανον8×
- στέφανος3×
- στεφάνους2×
- στέφανός1×
- στέφανόν1×
- στέφανος,1×
- στέφανον.¶1×
- στέφανοι1×
Key Verses
-
John 19:2
The soldiers twisted thorns into a crown and put it on his head, and dressed him in a purple garment.
This verse uses stephanos to describe the crown of thorns, transforming a symbol of shame into one of divine victory.
-
I Corinthians 9:25
Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.
Paul contrasts the perishable wreath given to athletes with the incorruptible reward promised to believers.
-
II Timothy 4:8
From now on, the crown of righteousness is stored up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.
Here stephanos is linked specifically to righteousness, stored up for those who have loved Christ's appearing.
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Revelation of John 2:10
Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Jesus promises the crown of life to those who remain faithful even when facing severe persecution.