[Greek] στεφανόω (stephanoō), [Latin] coronare: to crown, to win the prize, to adorn with a wreath, to place a crown on one’s head, to honor; 2 Tim.2:5, Heb.2:7, Heb.2:9
Background Information:
Ancient Greece: This term is closely related to the sense of to enclose or to encircle. The crown (stephanos) encircles the head in a circular or horse-shoe shape. Heaven is encircled by stars which embrace it like a crown. Pindar makes mention of the circling walls of Troy. Homer makes mention of a battle kindled (surrounding) the city.
Ancient Olympics: The victor of the race received a crown (wreath) of olive leaves. The crown comes from a branch of an olive tree from Olympia. When the victor was crowned, this practice also served to honor the gods. Although the victor did not receive financial rewards, he received a great amount of prestige. The victor was entitled to have a statue made in his image and a victory celebration to his home. Essentially, the victor received first-class treatment by the authorities.
Old Testament: This term primarily is used in the sense of to surround, to encircle, and to crown (adorn). Generally, there is little reference to the use of wreaths, crowns, and crowning. Only in the later part of the Old Testament this term is connected with relations outside of Israel or in a figurative sense. This silence indicates the cultic origin of crowns and the distinctiveness of Israel. The crown denotes man’s honor. In a figurative sense, Yahweh crowns His people with goodness, glory, and honor. This figurative sense is also broadly found in the Wisdom literature. There seems to be a connection with the Wisdom to the older Jewish martyr theology (Maccabees). You adorn the year with your bounty (Psa.65:12). Saul and his men were attempting to outflank David (1 Sam.23:26). You surround them with favor like a shield (Psa.5:12). You have made him less than a god, crowned him with glory and honor (Psa. 8:5). Reverence for God was victor and gave the crown to its athletes (4 Macc.17:15). He also sent them a purple robe and a crown of gold (1Macc.10:20). He has stripped me of my glory (Job 19:9). Grandchildren are the crown of old men (Prov.17:6). Wisdom’s garland is fear of the Lord (Sir. 1:18).
St. Stephen: He has been venerated as the first martyr of Christianity. He is the first to wear the victorious “crown” of martyrdom in becoming a saint. Accused of blasphemy, Stephen denounced the Jewish authorities and then was stoned to death. He was a Greek Hellenized Jew. He becomes of the first deacons instructed to provide for the welfare of the Greek-speaking widows.
New Testament: This term is primarily used in the sense of to give a prize and to honor. The faithful Christian is likened to an athlete who wins the prize (receives a crown) in a contest. This faithful Christian wins the imperishable prize of glory. Jesus is crowned with honor and glory. Jesus is exalted by His death on the Cross. Jesus’ death becomes the ultimate victory which results in redeeming the fallen nature of man.
Scripture:
“Similarly, an athlete cannot receive the winner’s crown except by competing according to the rules.” 2 Tim.2:5
Like the athlete, the Christian must have discipline and perseverance in the Christian life. The faithful Christian can win the imperishable crown that God only can provide.
“We do see Jesus ‘crowned with glory and honor’ because He suffered death.” Heb. 2:9
Jesus is crowned with glory by His death on the Cross. This crowning is possible because Jesus is faithful to the Father in providing redemption for fallen nature of man.
Conclusion:
Stephen, Steven, coronation, crown, crowned
I suppose it makes sense that this term is associated with encircling. The Olympic crown, either in circular or horse-shoe form, encircles the victor’s head. I did not realize that when a victor is crowned, the gods were also honored. It is interesting to note that the victorious Olympic athletes were not financially rewarded. Perhaps, this was theoretically encouraged for its public appearance sake. However, they did receive first class attention, prestige and support by influential patrons . So, I guess not much has really changed with the Olympic tradition over time. Only now we have celebrity endorsements and corporate sponsors supporting these Olympic athletes
It is certainly understandable that the Old Testament (Jewish) culture would view the crown in a much different non-pagan light. Crowning was acceptable when the prophets bestow authority on the king. The prophet’s blessing was perceived as a sign of God’s favor.
The New Testament begins to develop the important theme of the Christian as an athlete. Even 4 Macc., although not considered canonical, already developed this idea in the Old Testament era. Interestingly, Ignatius, in his Letter to Polycarp (110 A.D.) refers to Christian as athletes. Ignatius states “Bear the maladies as a perfect athlete. Where there is more toil, there is much gain.”
Perhaps it is part of God’s providence that St. Stephen would become the namesake and the first to wear the “crown” (stephanos) of martyrdom in becoming the first Christian saint. In a sense, St. Stephen was victorious in the race (crossed the finish line) of the Christian life by being faithful to God.