Crown
Summary
An ornament worn on the head as a symbol of royalty, priesthood, honor, or victory. Scripture uses 'crown' both literally for royal headgear and figuratively for eternal rewards, with Christ's crown of thorns transforming the symbol of humiliation into one of redemption.
☩Origin and Development
Crowns probably originated from simple fillets or bands used to prevent hair from being disheveled, which gradually developed into turbans and ornamental headgear. By adding precious materials, these bands assumed the dignity of mitres or crowns. The use of flowers to encircle the head in token of joy and triumph naturally suggested their ornamental use. Hebrew kings wore both diadems (nezer) and state crowns (atarah), made of gold and set with precious stones (Psalm 21:3; Zechariah 6:11).
☩Priestly and Royal Crowns
The high priest wore a golden plate inscribed 'Holiness to the Lord,' tied to his miter with blue lace (Exodus 29:6; 39:30). Hebrew kings wore crowns both in ceremonies and battle (2 Samuel 1:10; 2 Kings 11:12). David took the Ammonite king's crown, weighing (or worth) a talent of gold with precious stones, and used it as Judah's state crown (2 Samuel 12:30). In Ezekiel 21:26, God commands removal of both miter and crown from Zedekiah until Messiah reunites priestly and royal roles.
☩The Crown of Thorns
Roman soldiers plaited a crown of thorns and placed it on Jesus' head in mockery of His claim to kingship (Matthew 27:29; Mark 15:17; John 19:2, 5). Whether made from Ramnus nabeca or Lycium spinosum, it was intended to ridicule rather than primarily to pain. Yet this crown of humiliation became transformed: through suffering, Christ was 'crowned with glory and honor' (Hebrews 2:9). The thorns, emblem of the curse since Eden (Genesis 3:18), became instruments of the world's salvation.
☩Crowns for Believers
Scripture promises several crowns to faithful believers: the 'incorruptible crown' for those who exercise self-control (1 Corinthians 9:25); the 'crown of righteousness' for those who love Christ's appearing (2 Timothy 4:8); the 'crown of life' for those who endure trials (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10); and the 'crown of glory' for faithful shepherds (1 Peter 5:4). Unlike the withering garlands of ancient games, these crowns are eternal. The twenty-four elders cast their crowns before God's throne (Revelation 4:10), acknowledging all honor belongs to Him.
Related Verses82 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Crown," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Crown," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Crown of Thorns," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).