Brief Overview of Στέφανος (Strong’s G4736: Stephanos)

Strong’s G4736: A proper name meaning “crown” or “crowned one,” belonging to the first Christian martyr. His selection as one of the seven deacons, powerful ministry, and martyrdom mark significant developments in early church history and the spread of Christianity beyond Jerusalem.

U- Unveiling the Word

Στέφανος embodies both literal meaning (“crowned one”) and prophetic fulfillment as the first Christian martyr. His selection as a deacon and subsequent ministry demonstrate early church organization and bold witness. In Stephen’s ministry and martyrdom, we see the expansion of Christianity beyond Jewish boundaries. Early church fathers saw in his name and death a pattern of faithful witness crowned with eternal glory. Today, he represents both faithful service and courageous testimony even unto death.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Στέφανος, Stephanos, STEF-an-os
• Detailed pronunciation: stef (as in step) + an (as in on) + os (as in dose)
• Part of Speech: Noun (proper name, masculine)

Etymology:

• From στέφανος (stephanos) – crown
• Personal name derived from victory wreath
• Indicates one who is crowned/victorious

D – Defining Meanings

• Personal name “Crowned One”
• First Christian martyr
• Hellenistic Jewish Christian

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a proper name

Translation Options:

• “Stephen” – traditional English form
• “Stephanos” – transliteration
• “Crowned One” – literal meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• στέφανος (stephanos) [STEF-an-os] – crown – See G4735
• Στεφανᾶς (Stephanas) [stef-an-AS] – another proper name – See G4734
• στεφανόω (stephanoō) [stef-an-O-o] – to crown – See G4737

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this proper noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular only (as personal name)
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Nominative: Στέφανος (Stephen)
• Genitive: Στεφάνου (of Stephen)
• Accusative: Στέφανον (Stephen as object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes his role as first martyr. Thayer’s notes his Hellenistic background. LSJ documents name usage in Greek culture. Vine’s highlights his ministry significance. Strong’s connects to crown symbolism. LEH notes absence in Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan show name’s common usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 6:5: “And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen [Στέφανος], a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.”

Additional References:
Acts 6:8, Acts 6:9, Acts 7:59, Acts 8:2, Acts 11:19, Acts 22:20

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Στέφανος exemplifies how the Messiah transforms ordinary believers into powerful witnesses. He proclaims the good news that faithful service and bold testimony, even unto death, receive the crown of life. His name and story remind us that every believer is called to courageous witness for Christ.

D – Did You Know?

• His martyrdom sparked the first major persecution of Christians
• Early churches were often built over supposed sites of his relics
• His feast day is one of the oldest in Christian tradition

Strong’s G4736: A proper name meaning “crown” or “crowned one,” belonging to the first Christian martyr. His selection as one of the seven deacons, powerful ministry, and martyrdom mark significant developments in early church history and the spread of Christianity beyond Jerusalem.

Part of speech: Noun (proper name)

Tags: martyrdom, deacons, early-church, persecution, witness, church-expansion, Hellenistic-Jews, Acts-narrative, Christian-courage, church-service, first-martyr, bold-witness, church-leadership, Spirit-filled, Christian-testimony​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​