Crown
στέφανος (stephanos)
A victor's wreath — the reward given for faithful service and endurance.
Stephanos is the Greek word for crown, referring to the victor's wreath awarded to winners of athletic contests. The New Testament uses it to describe the eternal rewards God gives to faithful believers.
"Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day." — 2 Timothy 4:8 (KJV)
Key Verses
2 Timothy 4:8
“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day.”Read in context
James 1:12
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life.”Read in context
1 Corinthians 9:25
“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”Read in context
Etymology and Original Meaning
Stephanos refers to the wreath crown given to victors in Greek athletic competitions — typically woven from olive, laurel, or celery leaves. Unlike diadēma (the royal crown of a king), stephanos is the reward of achievement, earned through discipline and effort. Paul contrasts the perishable athletic wreath with the imperishable crown believers will receive.
Crowns in the New Testament
Scripture mentions several specific crowns: the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8), the crown of life (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10), the crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4), and the incorruptible crown (1 Corinthians 9:25). Each represents a different aspect of eternal reward — for faithfulness, endurance, shepherding, and self-discipline.
Christ's Crown of Thorns
In a cruel parody, Roman soldiers placed a crown of thorns on Jesus' head (Matthew 27:29). The victor's crown became a symbol of suffering and shame. Yet this mockery proved prophetic: through His suffering, Jesus won the ultimate victory over sin and death. The crown of thorns became the true stephanos — the victor's wreath won through the cross.
Casting Crowns Before the Throne
Revelation 4:10 pictures the twenty-four elders casting their crowns before God's throne. This beautiful image reveals the purpose of all rewards: they are not for personal glorification but for returning to the One who made victory possible. Every crown believers receive will ultimately be laid at Jesus' feet in worship and gratitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does crown mean in the Bible?
A crown (stephanos) is a victor's wreath — the reward given to those who faithfully endure. The New Testament promises several specific crowns to faithful believers, including crowns of righteousness, life, and glory.
What are the five crowns in the Bible?
The commonly listed crowns are: the incorruptible crown (1 Corinthians 9:25), crown of rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19), crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8), crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4), and crown of life (James 1:12).
Which Bible verse uses the word "Crown"?
2 Timothy 4:8 — "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day" (KJV). It also appears in James 1:12, 1 Corinthians 9:25.
Why does the Greek word behind "Crown" matter?
Stephanos refers to the wreath crown given to victors in Greek athletic competitions — typically woven from olive, laurel, or celery leaves. English uses one word, "Crown", where the Greek στέφανος (stephanos) carries the fuller sense: a victor's wreath — the reward given for faithful service and endurance.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Crown (στέφανος (stephanos))
A victor's wreath — the reward given for faithful service and endurance.
Crown (Stephanos) (στέφανος (stephanos))
A victory wreath — the reward given to overcomers, athletes, and the faithful.
Strong's G4735 — Crown (Stephanos)
στέφανος (stephanos) • A victory wreath — the reward given to overcomers, athletes, and the faithful.
Biblical Meaning of the Sun in a Dream (KJV)
God's glory, Christ the Sun of righteousness, or His favor.
Bible Verses About Crowns in Heaven
10 curated KJV verses
What Are the Crowns and Rewards in Heaven?
Heaven & Afterlife
Where to go next
Studied the meaning of Crown? Continue with these word-study and Scripture pages.
- Bible word meanings A–ZHebrew and Greek words explained in plain English.Continue
- Go deeper with word studiesStrong's numbers, usage and every KJV occurrence.Continue
- Bible questions answered from ScriptureStraight KJV answers to common questions.Continue
- Read the KJV Bible online freeFull text, chapter by chapter.Continue