Stephanos denotes a wreath or crown woven from leaves, flowers, or precious materials, placed on the head to signify honor, victory, or authority. Unlike diadema (the royal diadem of sovereign power), stephanos is the victor's garland — the crown earned through contest, endurance, or faithfulness. Its 18 New Testament occurrences divide into two striking categories. First, the crown of thorns: Roman soldiers twisted a stephanos of thorns and pressed it onto Jesus' head as a cruel parody of kingship (Matt 27:29; Mark 15:17; John 19:2, 5), an image that reverberates through Christian art and theology. Second, the metaphorical crown of reward: Paul describes the 'imperishable crown' of the disciplined athlete (1 Cor 9:25), 'the crown of righteousness' awaiting those who love Christ's appearing (2 Tim 4:8), and his converts as his 'joy and crown' (Phil 4:1; 1 Thess 2:19). James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10 promise 'the crown of life' to those who endure. The twenty-four elders cast their golden crowns before the throne (Rev 4:4, 10). Spanish 'corona,' French 'couronne,' and German 'Krone/Kranz' all preserve the victory-wreath sense.