Welcome to our new Monthly Feature, Ancient Words. In this series, I will examine different aspects of the original language of Scripture and show you how a few key insights can illuminate your view of specific passages, allowing you to see them in full, living color.

Let’s dive in!

It is common for believers to express their excitement about the royal crown they will receive when they reach their eternal reward. The promise of a crown is strewn throughout Scripture. We will take some time to examine these verses about our coming crowns and understand what the writers of Scripture are talking about. 

Here are a few verses that highlight this promise: 

• 2 Timothy 4:8- In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which is the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
• James 1:12-Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
• 1 Peter 5:4-And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
• Revelation 2:10-Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 

In order to fully grasp the promise contained within these verses, it’s important to understand that in Scripture, there are two words for crown. The first is diadema, which means a royal crown. However, that isn’t the word used in these verses. The word used in these verses is stephanos. Stephanos refers to a wrapped wreath made of vines or branches. You would probably be most familiar with it from its use in the early Olympic games. 

When scripture was penned, the stephanos would have been a very familiar image. The Olympic games had occurred since 776 BC and had become a regular part of culture. Like today, these athletes subjected themselves to years of rigorous training to compete, hoping to win the prestigious sign of victory: a crown of olive leaves set upon the champion’s head. This wreath symbolized honor, celebration, and, most importantly, a hard-fought triumph.

This should add more emotion and importance to the promised crown in the above verses. It isn’t simply a shiny piece of jewelry but the ultimate sign of victory. On many occasions, Paul compares our Christian walk to a race or an athletic competition, illustrating just how strenuous and intentional living a life following Christ can be. It takes daily discipline, a tenacious will, and a focus on reaching the ultimate goal. Unlike the Olympic athletes, it is not just one that will win the stephanos; everyone who participates in this race and finishes will receive that beautiful victor’s crown.  

Understanding the promised crown in these verses is a great way to remember that our Christian walk is a race in which we strive daily to reach the finish line. This promise should help us look forward to the day we can stand on the victor’s podium and hear the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Let us all strive for that beautiful wreath of triumph!

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Kristy Huntsman

Kristy is Come Fill Your Cup's Editor-in-Chief. She is the author of Sanctified (A Study of 1st and 2nd Peter) , Redeemed (A Study of Hosea), and Appointed (A Study of Judges & Ruth) . Kristy and her husband, Lance live in Stonewall, OK where they attend the Stonewall Church of Christ. Kristy is a stay-at-home-mom who homeschools their two daughters Taylor and Makayla.

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