Crowned

Tonight I had occasion in my studies to think about the Greek word stephanos. This word is often translated 'crown' in English, which has always seemed an iffy gloss to me. Historically and etymologically, the word means something more like 'wreath of glory', 'encompassing field effect' or some such.

Thus, when koinë texts use the word 'crown' in translation, it's good to bear in mind that it can idiomatically mean 'reward', 'aura', and many other concepts to do with something bestowed as a visible sign of acclaim and/or approval. And that should crown this short post.