Original Word: στέφανος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Stephanos
Pronunciation: STEF-an-os
Phonetic Spelling: (stef'-an-os)
Definition: Stephen, one of the seven original deacons at Jerusalem, and the first martyr.
Meaning: A "stephanos" is a crown or a wreath, often made of foliage or precious metals, symbolizing victory, honor, or reward. It is distinct from a "diadem," which is a royal crown.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb "στέφω" (stephō), meaning "to encircle" or "to crown."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "stephanos," similar concepts can be found in the Hebrew Bible, such as the word "עֲטָרָה" (atarah, Strong's Hebrew 5850), which means "crown" or "wreath" and is used in contexts of honor and royalty.

Usage: The term "stephanos" is used in the New Testament to denote a crown awarded for various reasons, such as victory in athletic contests, a symbol of honor, or a metaphor for eternal reward in the Christian faith.

Context: The concept of the "stephanos" in the New Testament is rich with cultural and theological significance. In the Greco-Roman world, a "stephanos" was awarded to victors in athletic competitions, such as the Olympic Games, and was a symbol of triumph and achievement. This imagery is employed in the New Testament to convey spiritual truths.

The Apostle Paul frequently uses the metaphor of a "stephanos" to describe the Christian's reward for faithful service and perseverance. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 9:25, Paul writes, "Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable." Here, the "stephanos" represents the eternal reward awaiting believers who run the race of faith with endurance.

In 2 Timothy 4:8, Paul speaks of the "crown of righteousness" that the Lord will award to him and to all who have longed for His appearing. Similarly, James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10 refer to the "crown of life" promised to those who remain steadfast under trial.

The "stephanos" also appears in the context of Christ's suffering and victory. In Matthew 27:29, a crown of thorns is placed on Jesus' head in mockery, yet it paradoxically signifies His ultimate victory over sin and death. In Revelation 14:14, Christ is depicted wearing a golden crown, symbolizing His authority and triumph.

Thus, the "stephanos" serves as a powerful symbol of both the believer's reward and Christ's victory, encapsulating themes of endurance, honor, and eternal life.

Word Origin
the same as stephanos
Definition
"crown," Stephen, the first Christian martyr
NASB Translation
Stephen (7).

STRONGS NT 4736: Στέφανος

Στέφανος, Στεφάνου, ὁ, Stephen, one of the seven 'deacons' of the church at Jerusalem who was stoned to death by the Jews: Acts 6:5, 8; Acts 7:59; Acts 8:2; Acts 11:19; Acts 22:20.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Stephen.

The same as stephanos; Stephanus, a Christian -- Stephen.

see GREEK stephanos

Forms and Transliterations

Στεφανον Στέφανον Στεφανος Στέφανος Στεφανου Στεφάνου Στεφανω Στεφάνῳ Stephano Stephanō Stephánoi Stephánōi Stephanon Stéphanon Stephanos Stéphanos Stephanou Stephánou

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts