The Five Crowns of Heaven and Christian Tradition

In the Christian tradition, we read of five crowns given as "rewards" in heaven. These are often known as the crown of incorruption or victory, the crown of rejoicing, the crown of life, the crown of glory, and the crown of righteousness. Now, crowns play an interesting role in Scripture. Historically, "The more general name in Hebrew for a crown is 'atarah, meaning a “circlet.” This is used of crowns and head ornaments of divers kinds, including royal crowns. Such was the crown taken from the king of Ammon by David (2 Sam. 12:30). The crown worn by the Assyrian kings was a high mitre, sometimes adorned with flowers. There are sculptures also representing the crowns worn by the early Egyptian and Persian kings. Sometimes a diadem surrounded the royal head-dress of two or three fillets. This probably signified that the wearer had dominion over two or three countries. In Rev. 12:3; 13:1, we read of 'many crowns,' a token of extended dominion."[1] (Photo credit to: Dallas Vintage)

Before examining these "five crowns" and what the Scriptures say about each, it is important to view the role of crowns within Christianity. In Eastern Orthodox churches, we find that the nuptial crown is worn by a bride at her wedding. This practice is a very ancient practice, going back to the early days of the Eastern Orthodox church. The marriage ceremony has a section known as "the crowning." During this section of the ceremony, both the bride and the bridegroom are crowned as "king" and "queen" of their household. This practice is also common in Greek and Slavic weddings, where crowns are made of flowers and pearls (Greek) or ornamented metal (Slavic). In Catholicism, the Virgin Mary is depicted as wearing a crown following her assumption into heaven - a visual depiction of Revelation 12:1's description of the lady crowned with stars. Further, in Sweden there is a symbol of the Three Crowns, which are representative of the three magi (wise men) from the gospel of Matthew. There are also many other ways in which crowns have been used throughout Christian artwork, practice, and history. Thus, crowns play a prominent and sometimes under-appreciated role. But what does the Scriptural corpus have to say about these five crowns?

Within the Scriptures, the first major "crown"is the crown of incorruption or victory. This crown is given to those who live a disciplined life. It is mentioned in 1st Corinthians 9:25, "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last [corruptible crown]; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever [incorruptible crown]." The simple truth: only those who strive in life will get this crown, those who do not, will not. Historically, the Greek term stephanos referred to a victor's crown, given to victors at the Greek games or after winning a contest. This same term is applied by St. Paul in his epistle to the Corinthians, implying that this "crown" is for those who have "run the race" and lived out their faith. There are many scripture references to that fact that crowns and rewards in heaven are for those who overcome, who are victorious (Philippians 3:12-14, 1st Corinthians 9:24-27, Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21; 21:7).

The next crown, the crown of rejoicing, is given to those who joyously express their faith. 1st Thessalonians 2:19 says, "For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes..." Other translations explicitly say "crown of rejoicing." This may also be found in Daniel 12:3, which says, "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." Many scholars believe this implies that if you lead others to righteousness by expressing your faith, you will receive a crown that will shine like the "brightness of the heavens."

A third crown, and perhaps the most well-known, is the crown of life. James 1:12 says, "Blessed are those who persevere under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him" (emphasis mine). The crown of life is given to those who are patient, who endure the trials and tribulations in life. Revelation 2:10 says, "...Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." This crown is also referred to as the "Martyr's Crown" (although the crown of thorns is also called the "Martyr's Crown"). The fourth is the crown of glory. This crown is given to those who are faithful in ministering to the world. 1st Peter 5:2-4 says, "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."

The fifth and final crown is the crown of righteousness. 2nd Timothy 4:8 says, "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." Evidently, this crown is for all those who long for the return of Jesus. Revelation 3:11 says, "I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown." In other words, we are to guard ourselves and to continue in faithfulness. Other early writings speak of crowns as well. In a late 2nd century Gnostic text, the incomplete manuscript of the Gospel of the Savior 42 says, "The elders, seated on [their thrones], cast [their] crowns [down] before the Father’s [throne]." This is reminiscent of the twenty-four elders in Revelation 4:4, which says, "...They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads." On another note, Jesus himself wore a crown at his death - a crown of thorns, likely the nabk from the area around Jerusalem - which later became a symbol of martyrdom for early Christians. However, when Jesus returns, St. John tells us that "on his head [are] many crowns" (Revelation 19:11-19). When Christ returns, he shows his true glory.

Are these crowns intended to be literal "crowns" given to the faithful in God's presence? One cannot say definitively either way. But the notion of getting a "crown" following life should not be taking as an "extra credit" motivation for living a just and moral life. Although we are told to "store up our treasures in heaven," our primary reward is finally beholding the beatific vision: finally entering into the divine presence of the One who is more beautiful, more precious and more wonderful than all of the treasures this world has to offer. Perhaps we can view these crowns along the longs of ancient Christian bridal mysticism. We see in the Song of Songs, this notion of unity between the bride and the bridegroom, a theme later echoed in the gospels and in Revelation. This theme was picked up by later Christian mystics, but it essentially expresses the communion between the Creator and creation. Thus, along the lines of the Eastern Orthodox marriage ceremonies, in heaven, finally united with the Beloved, we are both crowned to share in a reciprocal, deep and loving relationship for eternity.

Troy Hillman

Sources

[1]"Crown." WebBible Encyclopedia. Christian Answers Network. Web.