στεφανόω
stephanóō
G4737 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To place or bestow a crown or wreath (στέφανος) on someone; to decorate, honor, or reward by crowning, whether literally (with a physical garland or wreath) or figuratively (to invest with honor, dignity, or victory). In certain contexts, to celebrate or exalt someone as victorious or worthy of distinction.
Semantic Range
to place a wreath/crown on, to invest with honor or dignity, to publicly recognize as victorious or worthy, to metaphorically celebrate or exalt, to receive as a reward
Root / Etymology
From στέφανος (wreath, crown, garland), stemming from the verb root στεφαν-, to encircle or crown; the verb στεφανόω is the causative form indicating the act of crowning or endowing with a wreath.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, στεφανόω referred primarily to the act of crowning victors in athletic contests, military commanders, or others receiving public honor, with a literal wreath or garland. By the Hellenistic and Roman periods (and in the New Testament and Septuagint), the term also expanded to figurative uses, such as bestowing honor, triumph, or moral reward, both in secular and religious speech. Within the Septuagint, the verb often appears in contexts of celebration, honor, or divine blessing. In the New Testament (e.g., 2 Tim 2:5, Heb 2:7,9), it may refer to both literal and metaphorical crowning—honor from God, victory over death, or exaltation. Translational traditions often use 'to crown,' but in modern English the nuance of public or ceremonial honor is sometimes underrepresented. It is distinct from βραβεύω ('to award a prize') in focusing on the symbolic act of crowning rather than simply giving an award. The concept of crowning in ancient Greek culture also carried implications of festivity, recognition, and often, divine or civic endorsement.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from στέφανος; to adorn with an honorary wreath (literally or figuratively):--crown.
Root Family
στεφανόω (stephanóō) — to crown, to adorn, to honor
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4737-03 |
στεφανοῦται | stephanoutai | V PRS PASS IND 3P SG |
is crowned | is being crowned | is being crowned | 1 |
G4737-02 |
ἐστεφάνωσας | estephanosas | V AOR ACT IND 2P SG |
you crowned | you crowned | you crowned | 1 |
G4737-01 |
ἐστεφανωμένον | estephanomenon | V PRF PASS PTCP ACC M SG |
crowned | having been crowned | having been crowned | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4737-03 |
2 Timothy 2:5 | στεφανοῦται | stephanoutai | V PRS PASS IND 3P SG |
is crowned | is being crowned | is being crowned |
G4737-02 |
Hebrews 2:7 | ἐστεφάνωσας | estephanosas | V AOR ACT IND 2P SG |
you crowned | you crowned | you crowned |
G4737-01 |
Hebrews 2:9 | ἐστεφανωμένον | estephanomenon | V PRF PASS PTCP ACC M SG |
crowned | having been crowned | having been crowned |