Crown: Figurative
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In biblical literature, the term "crown" is often used figuratively to represent various spiritual truths and principles. The imagery of a crown conveys notions of honor, authority, victory, and reward, and is employed throughout Scripture to illustrate the spiritual realities and promises bestowed upon believers.

1. Crown of Life: The "crown of life" is a metaphor for the eternal life promised to those who remain steadfast under trial. James 1:12 states, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." Similarly, Revelation 2:10 encourages believers facing persecution: "Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."

2. Crown of Righteousness: This crown symbolizes the righteousness granted to believers through faith in Jesus Christ. In 2 Timothy 4:8 , Paul writes, "From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing." This crown is a reward for those who have lived a life of faithfulness and anticipation of Christ's return.

3. Crown of Glory: The "crown of glory" is associated with the faithful service of church leaders and shepherds. 1 Peter 5:4 promises, "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." This crown represents the eternal honor and recognition given to those who have diligently cared for God's flock.

4. Imperishable Crown: In contrast to the perishable crowns of earthly achievements, the "imperishable crown" is awarded to those who exercise self-discipline in their spiritual lives. 1 Corinthians 9:25 states, "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." This crown signifies the eternal rewards for living a disciplined and godly life.

5. Crown of Rejoicing: Often referred to as the "soul-winner's crown," this crown is associated with leading others to faith in Christ. In 1 Thessalonians 2:19 , Paul expresses his joy in the Thessalonian believers, saying, "After all, who is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you?" This crown represents the joy and fulfillment of seeing others come to salvation.

6. Crown of Thorns: While not a reward, the crown of thorns placed on Jesus' head during His crucifixion (Matthew 27:29) serves as a powerful symbol of His suffering and sacrifice. It represents the mockery and scorn He endured, yet also highlights His victory over sin and death through His resurrection.

The figurative use of crowns in Scripture underscores the spiritual rewards and honors that await believers who faithfully serve and follow Christ. These crowns are not merely symbols of personal achievement but are ultimately reflections of God's grace and the believer's relationship with Him.
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Isaiah 28:5
In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, to the residue of his people,
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1 Corinthians 9:25
And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
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2 Timothy 4:8
From now on there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing.
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James 1:12
Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.
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1 Peter 5:4
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.
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Revelation 2:10
Fear none of those things which you shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days: be you faithful to death, and I will give you a crown of life.
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Revelation 3:11
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which you have, that no man take your crown.
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Library

The Eternity of God
... There is a figurative description of God in Daniel 7:7. The Ancient of Days ... eternity,
when all our power ceases, he is King eternal, his crown flourishes for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 the eternity of god.htm

Of the Cross, and Other Tortures of Jesus, and of the Figure of ...
... He underwent were not without meaning; [835] but they had a figurative meaning
[836 ... For the placing of a crown of thorns upon His head, declared that it would ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxvi of the cross and.htm

Angelic Comforters.
... us too many positive statements on the subject to permit a figurative interpretation. ...
to form a royal retinue to conduct their Lord to His crown"to summon ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xxii angelic comforters.htm

Faustus Rejects the Old Testament Because it Leaves no Room for ...
... one is to follow him, makes use of a style free from all figurative expressions ... thou,
then, seen face to face the king with the sceptre, and the crown of flowers ...
/.../faustus rejects the old testament.htm

Apocryphal Traditions.
... 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes. The throned monarch better than his
crown.". ... This is a strongly figurative description of the millennium. ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 18 apocryphal traditions.htm

Parting Promises and Warnings
... Do we feel the weight of our crown, or are we taken up with its jewels, and ... of the
future royalty of Christ's servants are given in highly figurative language. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/parting promises and warnings.htm

Certain Amorous Speeches of the Soul to Herself in Prayer:
... 6. Hail, sweet Mary, whom, foreshadowed in sundry figurative speeches, and promised
in ... as are at rest; they encourage such as fight; they crown the conquerors ...
/.../certain amorous speeches of the.htm

Matt. v. 1, 2
... only, but also for all who arrive at the same excellency, He weaves His crown. ... Some
[601] say a figurative earth, but it is not this, for nowhere in Scripture ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xv matt v 1.htm

The Shaking of the Heavens and the Earth
... But the language of prophecy is highly figurative. ... the promises of guidance, protection
and supply through life, victory over death, and then a crown of glory ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon iii the shaking of.htm

The Doctrine of the Last Things.
... For, when the disciples did not understand His figurative language, He told them
plainly, "Lazarus is dead" (11:11-15). ... 1. HE SHALL RECEIVE A CROWN. ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the last.htm

Resources
What did Paul mean when he said he had finished the race? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Mishnah? What is a midrash? | GotQuestions.org

Who was the Joshua in Zechariah 3:1-10? | GotQuestions.org

Crown: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Crown

Crown by Queens

Crown of Thorns

Crown of Victory

Crown: An Ornament

Crown: Figurative

Crown: Made of Gold

Crown: Prescribed for Priests

Crown: Set With Gems

Crown: Symbolical

Crown: Worn by Kings

Related Terms

Diadem (9 Occurrences)

Thorns (56 Occurrences)

Crowned (14 Occurrences)

Apples (11 Occurrences)

Garland (6 Occurrences)

Head-dress (22 Occurrences)

Pate (1 Occurrence)

Circled (12 Occurrences)

Crowns (27 Occurrences)

Mitre (10 Occurrences)

Wearing (43 Occurrences)

Fade (16 Occurrences)

Turban (13 Occurrences)

Malcam (6 Occurrences)

Plaiting (3 Occurrences)

Plaited (12 Occurrences)

Platted (3 Occurrences)

Bracelet (5 Occurrences)

Wreath (21 Occurrences)

Knees (47 Occurrences)

Ensign (21 Occurrences)

Flower (33 Occurrences)

Sacred (140 Occurrences)

Thorn (30 Occurrences)

Beauty (98 Occurrences)

Clothed (153 Occurrences)

Purple (54 Occurrences)

Quantity (18 Occurrences)

Victor's (4 Occurrences)

Overlaid (50 Occurrences)

Longed (24 Occurrences)

Withal (38 Occurrences)

Insignia (2 Occurrences)

Forever (426 Occurrences)

Foreheads (14 Occurrences)

Trials (11 Occurrences)

Twisting (13 Occurrences)

Tobijah (17 Occurrences)

Thereto (26 Occurrences)

Thorny (3 Occurrences)

Thereunto (9 Occurrences)

Ephraim's (14 Occurrences)

Distinguished (14 Occurrences)

Drunkards (10 Occurrences)

Milcom (8 Occurrences)

Miter (9 Occurrences)

Patiently (25 Occurrences)

Bounty (14 Occurrences)

Boils (6 Occurrences)

Basilisk (3 Occurrences)

Copy (18 Occurrences)

Crest (2 Occurrences)

Ashurbanipal (1 Occurrence)

Arrayed (46 Occurrences)

Arm-bands (2 Occurrences)

Scalps (2 Occurrences)

Sole (13 Occurrences)

Staffs (47 Occurrences)

Soles (14 Occurrences)

Sports (1 Occurrence)

Lowly (29 Occurrences)

Vashti (10 Occurrences)

Manifestation (11 Occurrences)

Tahpanhes (7 Occurrences)

Splendor (87 Occurrences)

Test (105 Occurrences)

Talent (16 Occurrences)

Garment (143 Occurrences)

Ornament (23 Occurrences)

Fair (147 Occurrences)

Corners (56 Occurrences)

Scribes (85 Occurrences)

Plate (34 Occurrences)

Dressed (77 Occurrences)

Blessings (45 Occurrences)

Shouted (65 Occurrences)

Staves (50 Occurrences)

Descend (34 Occurrences)

Robe (142 Occurrences)

Crown: An Ornament
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