Brief Overview of στέμμα (Strong’s G4725: stemma)

Strong’s G4725: A noun referring to a garland or wreath, particularly used in pagan religious ceremonies. In its sole New Testament appearance, it appears in Acts describing attempted pagan worship of Paul and Barnabas, highlighting the contrast between true and false worship.

U- Unveiling the Word

στέμμα represents a physical object with deep religious and cultural significance in the ancient world. As a garland or wreath used in pagan sacrifices and ceremonies, it appears in Acts during an attempted sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas, whom the people mistook for gods. The word embodies the stark contrast between pagan worship practices and true worship of God. Early church fathers used this incident to teach about the proper response to misguided veneration. Today, it continues to illustrate the importance of directing worship solely to God.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στέμμα, stemma, STEM-mah
• Detailed pronunciation: st (as in stay) + em (as in them) + mah (as in mama)
• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter)

Etymology:

• From στέφω (stephō) – to encircle, crown
• -μα (-ma) suffix – forms result nouns
• Indicates product of wreathing/crowning

D – Defining Meanings

• Sacrificial garland
• Ceremonial wreath
• Religious decoration
• Ritual crown

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a simple noun

Translation Options:

• “Garland” – emphasizes decorative aspect
• “Wreath” – captures circular form
• “Ritual crown” – emphasizes ceremonial use

E – Exploring Similar Words

• στέφανος (stephanos) [STEF-an-os] – crown, wreath of victory – See G4735
• διάδημα (diadēma) [dee-AD-ay-ma] – royal crown – See G1238
• πλέγμα (plegma) [PLEG-ma] – braided work – See G4117

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Nominative singular: στέμμα (garland)
• Genitive plural: στεμμάτων (of garlands)
• Accusative plural: στέμματα (garlands)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its ritual usage. Thayer’s notes its connection to sacrifice. LSJ documents widespread ceremonial use. Vine’s highlights its pagan context. Strong’s connects it to wreathing action. LEH traces similar Septuagint terms. Moulton and Milligan show ritual contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 14:13: “Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands [στέμμα] to the gates, intending to offer sacrifice with the multitudes.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

στέμμα reminds us of humanity’s tendency toward misplaced worship. It proclaims the good news that the Messiah alone is worthy of true worship, contrasting with the empty rituals of paganism. This word challenges us to examine our own worship practices and ensure they are directed to the true God alone.

D – Did You Know?

• Different types of στέμματα were used for different deities
• The material and design of the garland often held symbolic meaning
• Early Christians used this incident to teach about refusing inappropriate honor

Strong’s G4725: A noun referring to a garland or wreath, particularly used in pagan religious ceremonies. In its sole New Testament appearance, it appears in Acts describing attempted pagan worship of Paul and Barnabas, highlighting the contrast between true and false worship.

Part of speech: Noun (neuter)

Tags: garlands, wreaths, pagan-worship, sacrifices, Zeus, Lystra, Paul-and-Barnabas, idolatry, religious-objects, ancient-rituals, false-worship, ceremonial-items, Acts-narrative, missionary-encounters, religious-symbols​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​