What is Paul's Handkerchief?

Paul's Handkerchief combines the latest in biblical scholarship alongside 'coffee with Jesus' activities to reclaim the Ancient Near East context, romance, and mystery of our Bibles.

What is the cover-to-cover Bible Challenge?

Few people who start reading the Bible ever finish it. The cover-to-cover challenge is for those ready to break that cycle — reading the entire Bible at their own pace, backed by community and tools built to make finishing not just possible, but inevitable. You will also get a certificate to celebrate your achievement each time.

What is Coffee with Jesus?

Having a coffee with Jesus is about spending quality time with Him. It isn't just Bible study, but a personal, intimate conversation with Him. Think less classroom, more kitchen table. The devotionals, quizzes, crosswords and journaling are all designed to let the Word shape your heart, not just your head.

What is the F.O.G. Bible Project?

Most English Bibles can't carry the full weight of what's in the original Hebrew and Greek. The F.O.G. Bible Project exists to change that: three new translations built publicly (a Study Bible, a Reader's Paraphrase, and F.O.G. Family), plus a word-by-word renewal of Strong's Concordance. It is Jean Paul Joseph's lifelong work, unfolding in public — and you're invited in.

Jean Paul Joseph is the lead editor of the F.O.G. Bible Project. He works from a personal encounter with Jesus first, then draws on the scholarship of respected Jewish and Christian scholars to produce resources designed for falling in love with the Word.

How do I get started?

Join the club, pick a Bible translation and a reading style that fits you, and you're in. From there, the app tracks your progress and helps keep you showing up — day after day, chapter after chapter.

How do I use this website?

This website has three main areas: the Cover-to-Cover Bible Challenge, Coffee with Jesus, and Study Guides. The Challenge helps you finish the Bible, Coffee with Jesus helps you fall in love with Him, and the Study Guides deepen your understanding of what the Word meant in its original context. To open the study features, simply click a verse in the Bible or select Library in the top navigation.

How much should I read each day?

That's up to you, but we recommend starting with a manageable goal and building up as the habit forms. One or two chapters a day is a great place to start, and three chapters a day will take you through the Bible in a year. If you want full immersion, the 6-Track plan lets you read up to six chapters a day across different sections of Scripture at once.

I prefer reading a physical Bible. What do I do?

We agree, and our goal is to eventually offer F.O.G. Bibles in print. In the meantime, you can read from a physical Bible and still use this website to track your progress and access the study features.

What is the 6-Track Bible reading plan?

The 6-Track plan has you read up to six chapters a day from six different sections of Scripture at the same time. It's adapted from Professor Grant Horner's method, and within eight months you'll read the whole Bible at least once, with parts like the Gospels and Psalms read more than once. It's built for deep immersion and takes about half an hour a day. You don't have to read six chapters daily, but if you choose this plan, we recommend at least three. You can also choose another plan on this website, such as the chronological option.

How do XP and ranks work?

Every activity earns you XP, which moves you through seven Hebrew ranks: Talmid, Mechoker, Maskil, Sofer, Moreh, Chacham, and Zaken. Each is named after a biblical word for going deeper into the Word. Beyond Zaken, five gem tiers await: Pearl, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, and Diamond. Each gem is added to your profile once you reach it.

How do I earn my Certificate of Completion?

You'll receive your certificate when you mark the final chapter of your cover-to-cover Bible Challenge as read. It's generated automatically and added to your profile. Free members receive a digital copy, while patrons receive an archival-quality certificate mailed to their door, ready for framing. You earn a new certificate every time you finish the Bible on this website.

How does patronage work?

A one-time gift of any amount earns you the Giver badge and a trial of RabbAI: 3 months, or 12 months for gifts of $50 or more. An active monthly gift of any amount earns you the Patron badge and keeps your RabbAI access going for as long as the gift continues. Give $50 and you'll receive a certificate mailed to your door when you complete the cover-to-cover Bible Challenge. Give $100 and you can sponsor a verse or page of your choice on this website. Your gift fuels this ministry, and we're grateful for your support.

G4725 (στέμμα)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4725
Original Word: στέμμα
Transliteration: stémma
Pronunciation: stem'-mah
Part of Speech: noun
Category: Creation
Root / Etymology: from the base of G4735 (στέφανος);
Frequency: 1×
Gematria: 586

Where it appears

Loading distribution…

Definition

Strong 1890 a wreath for show

garland

from the base of G4735 (στέφανος);

Commentary

Contributors:

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:

Monthly patrons

Quiz Yourself on Anything

As a monthly patron you can generate custom quizzes and crosswords on anything you like — for example, a Scholar-level quiz on Psalm 23 in seconds.

A monthly gift of any amount unlocks it

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

Author: Work	Text
Euripides: Iphigenia	"The altar was adorned with sacred garlands [στέμμα]."
Herodotus: Histories	"The priests brought forth the ceremonial wreaths [στέμμα]."
Plutarch: Lives	"They placed sacrificial garlands [στέμμα] upon the victims."

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

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

The Coffee Club Explained.

CERTIFICATE

Your Name Here