עֲטָרָה
a crown
Definition
The Hebrew noun עֲטָרָה (ʻăṭârâh) primarily means a crown, wreath, or garland worn on the head. It most often refers to a literal, physical crown symbolizing royal authority, honor, or victory, such as the crown taken from the king of Rabbah (2 Samuel 12:30). It can also represent a metaphorical crown, signifying honor, glory, or a reward, as when wisdom is said to bestow a 'garland of grace' (Proverbs 4:9). In some poetic contexts, it can denote a state of splendor or dignity, as in Job's lament that God has stripped the 'crown' from his head (Job 19:9).
Biblical Usage
This word is used 23 times across historical, poetic, and wisdom literature. It frequently appears in contexts of royalty and military triumph (e.g., 2 Samuel 12:30, 1 Chronicles 20:2, Esther 8:15). In the poetic books, it is used metaphorically: in Psalms for divine blessing (Psalm 21:3), in Proverbs for the virtues of wisdom and a good wife (Proverbs 4:9, 12:4), and in Job for personal honor and dignity (Job 19:9, 31:36). Its usage shifts from concrete objects in historical narratives to abstract symbols of honor in wisdom poetry.
Etymology
Derived from the root verb עָטַר (ʻāṭar, H5849), meaning 'to surround' or 'to encircle.' This root conveys the fundamental idea of something that encircles the head. The noun form specifically denotes the object that performs this encircling. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic and Aramaic, with similar meanings related to crowning or encircling.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it connects human concepts of honor, authority, and reward with divine action. God is depicted as the one who places crowns of blessing and glory (Psalm 21:3). Metaphorically, it represents virtues bestowed by God, such as wisdom (Proverbs 4:9) and spousal excellence (Proverbs 12:4). Understanding עֲטָרָה enriches reading by highlighting how biblical authors used the imagery of a crown—a universal symbol of supreme value—to describe both divine gifts and the ultimate dignity God intends for humanity.
In the ancient Near East, crowns were potent symbols not just of political power but also of divine favor, military victory, and social honor. A crown could be a ornate metal diadem for a king or a simpler wreath of leaves or flowers for celebratory occasions. The taking of an enemy king's crown (2 Samuel 12:30) was a supreme act of conquest and humiliation. The metaphorical use in wisdom literature draws on this cultural understanding of the crown as the highest visible mark of success and esteem.
כֶּתֶר (kether, H3805) — a synonym for crown, often used in later Hebrew (Esther, Song of Solomon) and Aramaic; it can carry a similar sense of royal dignity. נֵזֶר (nezer, H5145) — a crown or consecration, often specifically a priestly diadem or the symbol of a Nazirite's vow, emphasizing separation and dedication to God. צָנִיף (tsanîph, H6797) — a turban, headdress, or diadem; often associated with priestly or high-status headwear (e.g., Job 29:14).
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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