Brief Overview of στεφανόω (Strong’s G4737: stephanoō)

Strong’s G4737: A verb meaning “to crown, to reward with a crown,” derived from στέφανος (crown). In New Testament usage, it appears in contexts of both athletic victory metaphors and divine honor, particularly regarding the crowning of the Messiah and the ultimate reward of believers.

U- Unveiling the Word

στεφανόω represents the act of bestowing honor through crowning. In the New Testament, it carries dual significance: describing both athletic victory in Paul’s metaphors and divine exaltation in messianic contexts. The word bridges cultural understanding of achievement and spiritual reality of divine reward. Early church fathers saw in this verb both Christ’s exaltation and the believer’s future glory. Today, it continues to express both the honor due to Christ and the promise of reward for faithful service.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στεφανόω, stephanoō, stef-an-O-o
• Detailed pronunciation: stef (as in step) + an (as in on) + o (as in go)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• From στέφανος (stephanos) – crown
• -όω (-oō) suffix – forms denominative verbs
• Indicates action of crowning

D – Defining Meanings

• To crown
• To honor with a crown
• To bestow reward
• To adorn with victory

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a denominative verb

Translation Options:

• “To crown” – basic meaning
• “To bestow honor” – emphasizes result
• “To reward with victory” – captures athletic context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τιμάω (timaō) [tee-MAH-o] – to honor – See G5091
• δοξάζω (doxazō) [dox-AD-zo] – to glorify – See G1392
• βραβεύω (brabeuō) [brab-YOO-o] – to arbitrate prizes – See G1018

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Infinitive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Examples:

• Present active: στεφανόω (I crown)
• Aorist passive: ἐστεφανώθην (I was crowned)
• Perfect passive: ἐστεφάνωμαι (I have been crowned)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical usage. Thayer’s notes athletic and honorary contexts. LSJ documents classical victory ceremonies. Vine’s highlights spiritual applications. Strong’s connects to reward concepts. LEH traces Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show honorary inscriptions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
2 Timothy 2:5: “And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned [στεφανόω] unless he competes according to the rules.”

Additional References:
Hebrews 2:7, Hebrews 2:9

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

στεφανόω reveals both Christ’s exaltation and believers’ future glory. It proclaims the good news that the Messiah, crowned with glory through suffering, secures eternal crowns for His faithful followers. This word reminds us that true victory comes through following Christ’s pattern of faithful endurance.

D – Did You Know?

• Different games used different materials for crowning victors
• The word appears in ancient victory monument inscriptions
• Early martyrdom accounts often used this term for heavenly reward

Strong’s G4737: A verb meaning “to crown, to reward with a crown,” derived from στέφανος (crown). In New Testament usage, it appears in contexts of both athletic victory metaphors and divine honor, particularly regarding the crowning of the Messiah and the ultimate reward of believers.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: crowning, victory, reward, athletic-metaphor, divine-honor, messianic-glory, competition, spiritual-victory, heavenly-reward, achievement, honor, Christian-perseverance, eternal-reward, faithfulness, divine-exaltation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​