στεφανόω (stephanoō)
stephanoō
to crown
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb stephanoō means to place a crown on someone’s head, specifically using a stephanos, which was a wreath awarded to victors in athletic contests. In the New Testament, this word appears only three times, carrying a distinct sense of honor and recognition for achievement rather than royal sovereignty. It describes the act of adorning a person with a symbol of their triumph or status.
A clear example occurs in 2 Timothy 2:5, where the athlete is said to be crowned only if he competes according to the rules. This usage highlights that the reward is tied to faithful endurance and proper conduct. The word also appears in Hebrews 2:7 and 9, quoting Psalm 8 to describe how Jesus was crowned with glory and honor after suffering death, showing that his victory over sin earned him this highest mark of distinction.
The term draws from the Greek stephanos, a wreath made of leaves or flowers, contrasting with the diadema worn by kings. By choosing this word, the biblical authors emphasize that Christ’s exaltation is a reward for his obedient work, not an inherent royal title. Translators typically render it as "crowned," preserving the image of honor bestowed upon one who has finished the race well.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word stephanoō calls to mind the wreath placed on an athlete’s head after a hard-fought victory. Unlike a king’s diadem, this crown was earned through discipline and endurance. In 2 Timothy 2:5, we are reminded that the winner is crowned only if he competes by the rules. This image invites us to consider how we live our daily lives. Are we running with purpose, staying within the boundaries of faith and love?
Hebrews 2:9 offers a deeper hope. It tells us that Jesus was crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death for everyone. His victory was not just for Himself but for all who believe. This shows that true honor comes from faithful obedience, even when the path is difficult. We can trust that our efforts in following Christ are seen and valued.
When we face challenges, remember that the goal is not immediate ease but enduring well. The crown represents a reward given at the end of a race run with integrity. Let this encourage you to keep going, knowing that your faithful steps matter deeply to God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he is crowned1×
- crowned,1×
- You crowned1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐστεφάνωσας1×
- ἐστεφανωμένον,1×
- στεφανοῦται1×
Key Verses
-
II Timothy 2:5
Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn’t crowned unless he has competed by the rules.
This verse uses the word to emphasize that victory and its reward depend on competing according to established rules, linking honor to disciplined obedience.
-
Hebrews 2:9
But we see him who has been made a little lower than the angels, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for everyone.
Here the term highlights Jesus’ exaltation as a direct result of His suffering and death for humanity, showing that glory follows sacrificial love.
-
Hebrews 2:7
You made him a little lower than the angels. You crowned him with glory and honor.
Quoting Psalm 8, this occurrence applies the concept of crowning to humanity’s original design, pointing forward to Christ who fully realizes this honored status.