Crown (Stephanos)
στέφανος (stephanos)
A victory wreath — the reward given to overcomers, athletes, and the faithful.
Stephanos is the Greek word for crown, specifically the victor's wreath awarded to winners of athletic contests. The New Testament uses it for the rewards awaiting faithful believers and for Christ's crown of thorns.
"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 Peter 5:4
“And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G4735 — Crown (Stephanos) (στέφανος (stephanos))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where στέφανος (stephanos) appears.
Open Strong's G4735Etymology and Original Meaning
Stephanos means 'crown' or 'wreath' — specifically the garland woven from laurel or olive branches and placed on the head of a victorious athlete, military hero, or honored guest. It differs from diadēma (the royal crown of a king). The stephanos is earned through competition, endurance, and victory — it is the prize for those who finish the race.
Crowns Promised to Believers
The New Testament identifies several crowns awaiting the faithful: the crown of life for enduring trials (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10), the crown of righteousness for those who love Christ's appearing (2 Timothy 4:8), the crown of glory for faithful shepherds (1 Peter 5:4), and the imperishable crown for those who exercise self-control (1 Corinthians 9:25). These are not competitive prizes but rewards available to all who persevere.
The Crown of Thorns
In bitter irony, soldiers plaited a crown of thorns and placed it on Jesus' head (Matthew 27:29). The stephanos of mockery became the symbol of His suffering kingship. Thorns — the curse of Eden (Genesis 3:18) — were pressed into the brow of the One who bore the curse. The crown of thorns transforms: what was meant as ridicule becomes the emblem of sacrificial love.
Casting Crowns Before the Throne
Revelation 4:10 pictures the twenty-four elders casting their crowns before God's throne, declaring, 'Thou art worthy, O Lord.' Whatever rewards believers receive, the proper response is to return them to the One who made victory possible. Crowns are not for self-glory but for God-glory — received with gratitude and offered back in worship to the Source of every achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does crown mean in the Bible?
Crown (stephanos) is the victor's wreath — the reward for finishing the race faithfully. The New Testament promises several crowns to believers: life, righteousness, glory, and the imperishable crown.
What is the crown of thorns?
Soldiers mockingly crowned Jesus with thorns (Matthew 27:29). Thorns symbolize the curse of sin (Genesis 3:18). By wearing the crown of thorns, Jesus bore the curse in His own body, transforming mockery into redemption.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Crown (Stephanos)"?
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 Peter 5:4.
Why does the Greek word behind "Crown (Stephanos)" matter?
Stephanos means 'crown' or 'wreath' — specifically the garland woven from laurel or olive branches and placed on the head of a victorious athlete, military hero, or honored guest. English uses one word, "Crown (Stephanos)", where the Greek στέφανος (stephanos) carries the fuller sense: a victory wreath — the reward given to overcomers, athletes, and the faithful.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
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.
Crown (στέφανος (stephanos))
A victor's wreath — the reward given for faithful service and endurance.
Biblical Meaning of the Sun in a Dream (KJV)
God's glory, Christ the Sun of righteousness, or His favor.
God Promises a Crown of Righteousness
Bible promises about eternal rewards for those who faithfully follow Christ.
Biblical Meaning of Bread in a Dream (KJV)
Provision, the Word, and Christ Himself.
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