Brief Overview of στέφανος (Strong’s G4735: stephanos)

Strong’s G4735: A masculine noun meaning “crown” or “wreath,” used both literally and figuratively. In New Testament usage, it appears in contexts ranging from the crown of thorns in Jesus’ passion to the victor’s crown in Christian life and eternal reward.

U- Unveiling the Word

στέφανος carries profound significance in both Greco-Roman culture and biblical theology. Originally denoting the victory wreath given to athletes or honorary crown for civic achievement, it takes on deeper meaning in the New Testament. It appears first in the mocking crown of thorns placed on Jesus, yet becomes transformed into a powerful symbol of Christian victory and eternal reward. Early church fathers saw in this transformation a picture of how Christ’s suffering leads to glory. Today, it continues to represent both the cost of discipleship and its ultimate reward.

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 (masculine)

Etymology:

• From στέφω (stephō) – to encircle
• -ανος (-anos) suffix – forms result nouns
• Indicates achieved honor or victory

D – Defining Meanings

• Victory wreath
• Crown of honor
• Reward
• Symbol of achievement
• Mark of dignity

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

Translation Options:

• “Crown” – general term
• “Victor’s wreath” – emphasizes achievement
• “Garland” – captures physical form

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διάδημα (diadēma) [dee-AD-ay-ma] – royal crown – See G1238
• στέμμα (stemma) [STEM-ma] – sacrificial garland – See G4725
• κόσμος (kosmos) [KOS-mos] – ornament – See G2889

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Nominative singular: στέφανος (crown)
• Genitive plural: στεφάνων (of crowns)
• Dative singular: στεφάνῳ (with/by a crown)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both athletic and honorary contexts. Thayer’s traces development from victory to reward. LSJ documents extensive classical usage. Vine’s highlights metaphorical applications. Strong’s connects to encircling reward. LEH traces Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show honorary inscriptions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 27:29: “When they had twisted a crown [στέφανος] of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand.”

Additional References:
Mark 15:17, John 19:2, 1 Corinthians 9:25, Philippians 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 2 Timothy 4:8, James 1:12, 1 Peter 5:4, Revelation 2:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

στέφανος reveals how the Messiah transforms symbols of shame into marks of victory. It proclaims the good news that through His crown of thorns, Jesus secured our crown of glory. This word reminds us that Christian victory comes through apparent defeat, and eternal rewards await those who remain faithful.

D – Did You Know?

• Different materials were used for different achievements in Greek games
• Early Christian martyrs saw their death as receiving the victor’s crown
• The word appears on ancient Olympic victory inscriptions

Strong’s G4735: A masculine noun meaning “crown” or “wreath,” used both literally and figuratively. In New Testament usage, it appears in contexts ranging from the crown of thorns in Jesus’ passion to the victor’s crown in Christian life and eternal reward.

Part of speech: Noun (masculine)

Tags: crown, victory, reward, passion-narrative, eternal-life, martyrdom, athletic-metaphor, achievement, honor, Jesus-suffering, Christian-victory, heavenly-reward, crown-of-thorns, victory-wreath, Christian-perseverance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​