Special headgear used to symbolize a person's high status and authority. Several different words in the original Hebrew and Greek languages of the Bible are translated as crown. Persons in the Bible who are described as wearing crowns include Vashti and Esther . The high priest and the king in the early history of the nation of Israel also apparently wore crowns as a mark of their office and authority .

The wreath of leaves awarded the winner of an athletic competition in the Grecian games was also described by the apostle Paul as a crown <1 Cor. 9 25; 2 Tim. 4:8>. The Roman soldiers mocked Jesus on the cross by placing a crown of thorns on His head, taunting Him as "King of the Jews" ; (also ).

The Book of Revelation portrays Christ with many crowns on His head, signifying His kingly authority . Our inheritance as Christians who follow the will of our Lord is also described symbolically as a crown. As a reward for our faithfulness, we will receive an imperishable crown <1 Cor. 9:25>, one that will not wither or fade away, and a crown of eternal life .

(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary)

(Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)