An encircling ornament for the head, worn by monarchs as symbol of royal authority. Also a wreath, worn on joyful occasions or presented to the winner of a race. Used figuratively, the word indicates honour and blessing, the reward awaiting believers in heaven.
A crown as an ornament worn by monarchs
By kings
2 Kings 11:12 parallel 2 Chronicles 23:11 Crowns worn by the kings of Israel and Judah signified their consecration to God. See also 2 Samuel 1:10; Psalm 89:39, Psalm 132:18; Proverbs 27:24; Zechariah 9:16
Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and declared, “Long live the king!”
By queens
A crown as a symbol of royal authority
2 Samuel 12:30 parallel 1 Chronicles 20:2 See also Psalm 21:3; Isaiah 23:8; Jeremiah 13:18; Ezekiel 21:26; Zechariah 6:11, Zechariah 6:14; Revelation 12:3, Revelation 13:1, Revelation 19:12
Then he took the crown from the head of their king. It weighed a talent of gold and was set with precious stones, and it was placed on David’s head. And David took a great amount of plunder from the city.
A crown as a symbol of honour
Esther 8:15; Job 19:9, Job 31:36; Ezekiel 23:42
A crown as a wreath
Worn on joyful occasions, such as a wedding
Song of Solomon 3:11 See also Proverbs 4:9; Isaiah 61:3; Ezekiel 16:12, Ezekiel 23:42
Come out, O daughters of Zion, and gaze at King Solomon, wearing the crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding— the day of his heart’s rejoicing.
A wreath of laurel leaves, worn by the winner of a race
1 Corinthians 9:25 See also 2 Timothy 2:5
Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.
The mock crown (wreath) of thorns put on Jesus Christ's head
Matthew 27:29 parallel Mark 15:17 See also John 19:2, John 19:5
And they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand, knelt down before Him, and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
Crown is used figuratively to indicate honour and blessing
Isaiah 62:3 See also Proverbs 4:9, Proverbs 12:4, Proverbs 14:24, Proverbs 16:31, Proverbs 17:6; Isaiah 28:5, Isaiah 61:3; Lamentations 5:16; Revelation 6:2, Revelation 9:7, Revelation 12:1, Revelation 14:14
You will be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, a royal diadem in the palm of your God.
Paul's joy and crown
1 Thessalonians 2:19 See also Philippians 4:1
After all, who is our hope, our joy, our crown of boasting, if it is not you yourselves in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?
Crown represents the honour and blessing that await believers in heaven
1 Corinthians 9:25 See also 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10, Revelation 3:11, Revelation 4:4, Revelation 4:10
Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.