Original Word: στεφανόω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: stephanoó
Pronunciation: stef-an-OH-o
Phonetic Spelling: (stef-an-o'-o)
Definition: To crown, to encircle with a crown, to honor
Meaning: I crown, adorn, decorate.

crown.

From stephanos; to adorn with an honorary wreath (literally or figuratively) -- crown.

see GREEK stephanos

Cognate: 4737 stephanóō – to crown as victor. See 4735 (stephanos).

Word Origin
from stephanos
Definition
to crown
NASB Translation
crowned (2), win the prize (1).

STRONGS NT 4737: στεφανόω

στεφανόω, στεφάνῳ: 1 aorist ἐστεφανωσα; perfect passive participle ἐστεφανωμενος; (στέφανος); from Homer down;

a. to encircle with a crown, to crown: the victor in a contest, 2 Timothy 2:5.

b. universally, to adorn, to honr: τινα δόξῃ καί τιμή, Hebrews 2:7, 9, from Psalm 8:6.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek noun στέφανος (stephanos), meaning "crown" or "wreath."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Hebrew 5849: עָטַר (atar) • to crown, to encircle, to surround.
• Strong's Hebrew 3803: כָּתַר (katar) • to crown, to encircle, to surround.

These Hebrew terms share a similar semantic range with στεφανόω, emphasizing the act of crowning or encircling with honor and distinction.

Usage: The verb στεφανόω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of crowning or bestowing honor, often in a metaphorical sense. It conveys the idea of rewarding or recognizing someone with a crown, symbolizing victory, honor, or authority.

Context: The verb στεφανόω appears in the New Testament in contexts that emphasize the conferring of honor or victory. In the Greco-Roman world, a στέφανος (crown) was often awarded to victors in athletic contests, military triumphs, or as a symbol of honor and dignity. This cultural background informs the metaphorical use of στεφανόω in the New Testament.

In 2 Timothy 2:5, the apostle Paul uses the imagery of an athlete being crowned to illustrate the necessity of competing according to the rules to receive the victor's crown: "Likewise, anyone who competes as an athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules" (BSB). Here, στεφανόω underscores the reward for faithful and disciplined service.

Hebrews 2:7-9 references the crowning of Jesus with glory and honor, highlighting His exaltation and authority: "You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor" (BSB). This passage reflects the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Christ's suffering and subsequent glorification.

The concept of being crowned is also present in 1 Peter 5:4, where believers are promised an "unfading crown of glory" as a reward for faithful shepherding and service: "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away" (BSB).

The use of στεφανόω in these passages conveys the theological themes of reward, honor, and the ultimate victory of Christ and His followers. It serves as an encouragement for believers to persevere in faith and good works, with the assurance of divine recognition and reward.

εστεφανωμενον εστεφανωμένον ἐστεφανωμένον εστεφανωσας εστεφάνωσας ἐστεφάνωσας εστεφάνωσεν στεφανούντά στεφανουται στεφανούται στεφανοῦται στηθοδεσμίδα estephanomenon estephanoménon estephanōmenon estephanōménon estephanosas estephanōsas estephánosas estephánōsas stephanoutai stephanoûtaiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts