what does the term "crowns" Mean?

The admonition to "study" that we might be able to be "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15) indicates there must be wrongful manners in which people espouse teachings and positions that are not right or sound. To be "rightly dividing," there are at least three principles of which we must ever be mindful: (1) any text must be viewed in its greater context; (2) what is the actual word used in the original language, and what does it mean? and (3) many Scriptures have both, or either, a literal or symbolic meaning.
The word "crown," used in 2 Kings 11:12, relates to the coronation of Joash (2 Kings 11:2) and says that they "put the crown upon him ... and they made him king." By the context, we can see this indeed was a literal event that took place at a literal time. This is not always the case. 

In the King James Version, the word "crown" (singular) appears sixty-six times, the word "crowns" is used nine times, and the word "crowned" is offered six times. Thus, it is imperative we apply the rules of study mentioned previously. The context from 2 Kings 11:12 reveals a literal "crown" was used in the coronation of a new king. However, consider these verses: 

•  Psalm 103:4—"crowneth thee with lovingkindness"
•  Proverbs 14:24—"crown of the wise is their riches"
•  Proverbs 16:31—"the hoary head is a crown of glory"

These verses, as well as many others, let us know their application could not be literal. Proverbs 17:6 proclaims, "Children's children are the crown of old men." The context of the verse indicates it cannot be taken literally and still be "rightly dividing the word of truth."

Therefore, we must employ the second rule: what is the actual word used in the original language, and what does it mean? The Hebrew word used in many of the Old Testament Scriptures is the word atarah. This word means "honor, power, and glory." Understanding the meaning of the word reveals the truth being conveyed through it as a word vehicle. Confusion arises in understanding the usage of the expression "crown" in the New Testament. Predominately, it is used as a symbolic expression. Consider a few commonly misunderstood verses that are mistaught.

The Apostle Paul pronounced, "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness" (2 Timothy 4:8). The word "crown" here in the original Greek is the word stephanos, which was used for the laurel-leafed crowns given to athletes who victoriously competed in a contest. In verse 7, Paul spoke of having "fought a good fight" and having "finished my course." This is a clear allusion to the Isthmian races, with which people in that first century were familiar. Paul was not speaking of a literal crown but rather of one whose life culminates victoriously in righteousness.

Perhaps a great deal of confusion arises concerning the use of the word "crown" in the Book of Revelation. We must ever be mindful that the nature of the language of the Revelation is symbolic. Revelation 1:1 tells us it is "signified," which means "revealed by signs." Webster's New World Dictionary defines a sign as a "symbol." Therefore, we must not attempt to take the Scriptures in Revelation in a literal manner.

Revelation 4:4, speaking of the "four and twenty elders," says they had "crowns of gold." Revelation 4:10 reveals they "cast their crowns before the throne." As these are symbolic expressions, what do these "crowns" mean? What is it that a ministry (the "elders") cast before the throne (or bring before the presence of God)? What is the "crown" of a ministry, or of pastors? Philippians 4:1 and 1 Thessalonians 2:19 tell us it represents a people.
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The word "crown," as with many Biblical expressions, must have the three study rules applied under the direction of the Holy Ghost, "the Spirit of truth" (John 16:13), to be "rightly dividing the word of truth."

Earl R. Borders

From the January 2025 issue of The Gospel Trumpeter