G4725
στέμμα
a wreath for show
Transliteration
stémmaPronunciation
(stem'-mah)Everything you need to know.
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a wreath for show
στέμμα(stémma)
Strong’s Definition
a wreath for show
from the base of G4735 (στέφανος);
“Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.”
No verses found containing this word study ID.
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
Etymology:
D - Defining Meanings
For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a simple noun
Translation Options:
E - Exploring Similar Words
R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology
For this noun:
Examples:
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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?
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