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διάδημα

diádēma

G1238 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A royal headband or fillet, typically a band or circlet worn around the head as a symbol of sovereign power or authority. In Greek and Hellenistic contexts, primarily denotes a specific emblem of royal status set apart from other forms of ornamental or victory crowns (e.g., στεφανος). Secondarily, in later sources, may be used metaphorically for regal dignity or kingship itself.

Semantic Range

royal diadem, band or fillet as a symbol of kingship, emblem of inherited sovereignty, ruler’s headband, regal authority, occasionally used for the concept of dynastic or kingly power

Root / Etymology

From διά (“through, across, about”) and δέω (“to bind, tie”), meaning 'that which is bound around' (i.e., the head). Cognate with related terms referring to things bound or tied. No clear Semitic origin; derived entirely within Greek morphological processes.

Historical & Contextual Notes

διάδημα is attested in classical Greek (Herodotus onward) as the royal headdress worn by Persian and other eastern monarchs, distinct from the Greek στεφανος, which is a wreath awarded for merit in athletic, military, or social contexts. In the Hellenistic period (esp. after Alexander the Great), διάδημα came to signify the particular ribbon or band worn by Hellenistic rulers as an explicit mark of kingship. In the New Testament (e.g. Revelation), it designates regal authority (often of a symbolic or apocalyptic adversary). The Septuagint uses διάδημα for headdresses of Near Eastern rulers, translating Hebrew terms for crowns or bands. English Bible translations often render both στεφανος and διάδημα as “crown,” but in Greek, διάδημα carries stronger associations with inheritable kingship and the trappings of dynasty. Unlike στεφανος, which can denote a prize, honor, or joy, διάδημα is restricted to the sphere of monarchy and sovereignty.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a compound of διά and δέω; a "diadem" (as bound about the head):--crown. Compare στέφανος.

Root Family

διάδημα (diadēma) — to bind around, to encircle, royal headband, emblem of sovereign authority

Root διαδημ- to bind around, to encircle

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1238-01 διαδήματα diademata N ACC N PL diadems royal diadems royal diadems 3

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1238-01 Revelation 12:3 διαδήματα diademata N ACC N PL diadems royal diadems royal diadems
G1238-01 Revelation 13:1 διαδήματα diademata N ACC N PL diadems royal diadems diadems
G1238-01 Revelation 19:12 διαδήματα diademata N NOM N PL diadems royal diadems royal diadems
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