Στέφανος (Stephanos)
Stephanos
Stephen
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Stephanos, transliterated as Stephen, literally means "crown" or "garland." In the New Testament, it appears exclusively as a proper noun referring to one specific individual: the deacon in Jerusalem who became the first recorded Christian martyr.
Lexical sources identify him as one of the seven men chosen to serve tables in Acts 6:5. The narrative follows his life through Acts 6:8 to 7:60, detailing his wisdom, the accusations against him, and his speech before the Sanhedrin. His death is recounted in Acts 7:59-60, where he prays for his persecutors as he is stoned.
The name’s meaning resonates with his story. While a stephanos was often a wreath awarded to victors or kings, Stephen receives this title through his faithful witness unto death. Early Christians viewed his martyrdom not as defeat, but as a victory that crowned him in heaven. The name thus serves as a lasting symbol of endurance and faithfulness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Stephanos means "crown," a title that fits the life of the first Christian martyr perfectly. Stephen was chosen to serve tables in Jerusalem, yet his faithful witness led to his death by stoning. Rather than seeing this as a defeat, early Christians understood his endurance as a victory that crowned him in heaven.
His story reminds us that true faithfulness often comes at a cost. When he prayed for those who killed him, he mirrored the heart of Jesus. This example invites us to trust God even when circumstances feel overwhelming, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Stephen4×
- with Stephen;1×
- of Stephen1×
- Stephen,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Στέφανον2×
- Στέφανος1×
- Στέφανον,1×
- Στεφάνῳ·1×
- Στεφάνῳ1×
- Στεφάνου1×
Key Verses
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Acts 6:5
These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch,
This verse introduces Stephen as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, establishing his character before his conflict begins.
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Acts 7:59
They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!”
Here Stephen entrusts his spirit to Jesus during his execution, demonstrating ultimate trust in Christ's authority over life and death.
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Acts 22:20
When the blood of Stephen, your witness, was shed, I also was standing by, consenting to his death, and guarding the cloaks of those who killed him.’
Paul recalls standing by and guarding the clothes of Stephen’s killers, showing how this event directly shaped his own journey to Damascus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Stephanos mean?
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Every Occurrence (7 verses across 1 books)
Acts 7 verses
These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip,…
Acts 6:8Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.
Acts 6:9But some of those who were of the synagogue called “The Libertines”, and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of…
Acts 7:59They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!”
Acts 8:2Devout men buried Stephen and lamented greatly over him.
Acts 11:19They therefore who were scattered abroad by the oppression that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia,…
Acts 22:20When the blood of Stephen, your witness, was shed, I also was standing by, consenting to his death, and guarding the…