στέμμα

a garland

Definition

Στέμμα (stemma) refers to a garland or wreath, typically woven from leaves, flowers, or branches. In the ancient world, such garlands were used as decorative headpieces, often associated with religious rituals, athletic victories, or celebratory feasts. In its single New Testament occurrence in Acts 14:13, it describes the garlands brought by pagan priests to honor Paul and Barnabas, whom they mistakenly believed to be the gods Zeus and Hermes. Unlike other Greek words for 'crown' (like στέφανος, stephanos, G4735), which can denote a victor's crown or a symbol of honor, στέμμα specifically emphasizes the crafted, woven nature of the object, often for ritual adornment.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 14:13. It appears in the context of pagan worship in Lystra, where the priest of Zeus brings oxen and garlands (στέμματα) to the city gates, intending to offer sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas. The usage is entirely descriptive of a specific cultural and religious practice, highlighting the immediate misunderstanding of the apostles' divine identity by the local population.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb στέφω (stephō), meaning 'to encircle,' 'to wreathe,' or 'to crown.' The noun στέμμα directly denotes the product of that action—something that is woven or twined together. It is a cognate of στέφανος (stephanos, G4735), another word for crown, with στέμμα often carrying a more specific connotation of a ritual or decorative wreath.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is not central to core Christian doctrine, its use in Acts 14:13 is theologically significant. It starkly contrasts pagan religious ritual with the proclamation of the living God. The garlands were intended for a false sacrifice, but the apostles use the moment to preach the gospel, turning attention from human honor to the Creator. Understanding this term enriches the reading by highlighting the cultural clash and the apostles' rejection of divine honors, affirming the biblical theme that God alone is to be worshiped.

In Greco-Roman culture, garlands (στέμματα) were common in religious ceremonies, draped on altars, statues of gods, and sacrificial animals, as seen in Acts 14:13. They were also worn at feasts and awarded to athletic victors. This practice differed significantly from Jewish and later Christian symbolism, where crowns (often στέφανος) could represent eternal life or victory in faith (e.g., 1 Corinthians 9:25, 2 Timothy 4:8). The garland in Acts is a marker of pagan ritual, not Christian reward.

στέφανος (stephanos, G4735) — A crown or wreath, often of victory or honor, with broader usage including metaphorical crowns for believers. στέμμα is more specifically a woven garland, often for ritual use.

Word Details

Scripture References