Philippians 4:1a – Crowns

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown…

Summary: Paul’s use of the word “crown” suggests royalty, victory, and glory. As we examine Paul’s use of the word, we discover more about his relationship with Jesus and the Philippians.   

We have already discussed Paul’s relationship with the church at Philippi. It is clear from his opening chapter that he holds a deep affection for the people there. The word that jumps out in this passage is “crown.” 

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary,* the word can be traced back to the “Latin corōna [a]  ‘wreath, garland worn on the head as a mark of honor or emblem of majesty’…” 

This “mark of honor” or “emblem of majesty” can be figurative or literal. 

When David was king of Israel, shortly after his escapade with Bathsheba, he went out to lead the army when they conquered Rabbah, the capital of the Ammonite kingdom. When they captured the city, the Bible says, “David took the crown from their king’s head, and it was placed on his own head.” Then it adds, “It weighed a talent of gold, and it was set with precious stones” (2 Samuel 12:29-30a). (Many Bibles have a notation explaining that a “talent” is equivalent to “about” 70 or 75 pounds.)

This is, perhaps, an extreme example of a literal crown, but it illustrates the significance of the word and what it can mean. 

Paul is equating the Philippians to his “crown.” The crown Paul is talking about is of infinite value compared to a paltry seventy pounds of gold and jewels (Philippians 3:7-9).

Why?

What does Paul mean by equating this church he loves to a “crown?”

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul explains that people who compete in a race do so to “get a crown.” This is not the kind of crown that David won from the king of the Ammonites, but the victor’s crown that signifies the winner† (1 Corinthians 9:25). 

In another letter, Paul explains the spiritual application of the crown he is talking about. He writes that the crown will be the source of this “glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus…” (1 Thessalonians 2:19). 

There is a beautiful passage in the Book of Revelation that describes the twenty-four elders around the throne of God laying their crowns before the throne (Revelation 4:9-11). Perhaps there is a connection. Paul’s “crown” is not a literal one, but his accomplishments for the Lord are real. 

We know that as sinful beings our works cannot save us, but it is possible that as children of God our work for the kingdom can please him (Romans 14:17-18). 

Application: Pleasing God is our “crowning” achievement.  

Food for Thought: How do you think the Philippians understood Paul’s words? 

*https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crown (Nov 10,2025)

†The Merriam-Webster online dictionary explains that the word “crown” comes from: “Middle English coroune, croune, borrowed from Anglo-French corone, coroune, going back to Latin corōna “wreath, garland worn on the head as a mark of honor or emblem of majesty…”

See also Strong’s G4735 for a definition of the actual Greek word Paul used — στέφανος stéphanos, stef’-an-os; from an apparently primary στέφω stéphō (to twine or wreathe); a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fillet, G1238), literally or figuratively:—crown. (Blueletter Bible)