A diadem is a type of crown or headband that signifies royalty, authority, or honor. In biblical times, diadems were often worn by kings and rulers as a symbol of their power and status. The term "diadem" is used in various contexts throughout the Bible, both literally and metaphorically, to convey themes of sovereignty, victory, and divine authority.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, diadems are mentioned in connection with royal authority and the splendor of kingship. For instance, in Isaiah 28:5, the prophet speaks of the Lord as a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty for the remnant of His people: "On that day the LORD of Hosts will be a crown of glory, a diadem of splendor to the remnant of His people" . This passage highlights the divine source of true honor and majesty, contrasting human pride with God's ultimate sovereignty.

Ezekiel 21:26 also references a diadem in the context of judgment and the overturning of earthly power: "This is what the Lord GOD says: Remove the turban, and take off the crown. Things will not remain as they are; exalt the lowly and bring low the exalted" . Here, the diadem symbolizes the transient nature of human authority in the face of God's will.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, diadems are prominently featured in the apocalyptic imagery of the Book of Revelation. Revelation 12:3 describes a great red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, and on its heads were seven diadems: "Then another sign appeared in heaven: a great red dragon with seven heads, ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads" . This imagery is symbolic of the dragon's power and authority, which is ultimately opposed to God.

Revelation 19:12 presents a contrasting image of Christ, the victorious King, who wears many diadems: "His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows" . The multiple diadems signify Christ's supreme authority and dominion over all creation, underscoring His role as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Symbolism and Theological Significance

Diadems in the Bible are rich in symbolism, often representing the legitimate authority bestowed by God. They serve as reminders of the divine right to rule and the ultimate sovereignty of God over earthly powers. The use of diadems in prophetic and apocalyptic literature emphasizes the contrast between human and divine authority, highlighting the temporary nature of worldly power in comparison to the eternal reign of God.

In a broader theological context, diadems also reflect the honor and glory that God bestows upon His people. Believers are called to share in Christ's victory and reign, as seen in passages that speak of the faithful receiving crowns of life and righteousness (James 1:12, 2 Timothy 4:8). Thus, diadems serve as a powerful symbol of the hope and promise of eternal life with God, where His people will share in His glory and authority.1238. diadema -- a diadem, a crown
... Rev 19:12). Word Origin from diadeo (to bind around) Definition a diadem,
a crown NASB Word Usage diadems (3). crown. From a compound ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1238.htm - 7k

That the Logos is One, not Many. Of the Word, Faithful and True ...
... And His eyes are as a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems, and
He hath a name written which no one knoweth but He Himself. ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/4 that the logos is.htm

The Scriptures
... The word only occurs thrice, in the whole of the New Testament, and all the three
instances are in the Apocalypse"the seven diadems' of the dragon (Rev.12:3 ...
/.../the hymns of methodism in their literary relations/chapter i the scriptures.htm

The Saviour's Many Crowns
... a head which suffered more from the tempests of heavenward of earth than ever mortal
brow before, should now be surrounded with these many diadems, these star ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the saviours many crowns.htm

In the Birth of the Son Light Dawned, --And Darkness Fled from the ...
... 23. "A little one, because He willed it for quietness' sake,"and meek now until
He be revealed."A time shall be for Him when all diadems"shall bow down ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xv in the birth.htm

The Mystery
... "I saw," said he, "a beast ascending out of the sea, having seven heads, and ten
horns, and upon his horns ten diadems, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

Of the Discipline of the Church, and Its Principal Use in Censures ...
... be respected also by men. Let us not tremble at fasces, purple, or diadems;
our power here is greater. Assuredly I will sooner give ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 12 of the discipline.htm

Praise of the Philippians.
... by God], and have accompanied, as became you, those who were bound in chains, the
fitting ornaments of saints, and which are indeed the diadems of the true ...
/.../chapter i praise of the philippians.htm

From the Seventeenth Chapter.
... says. He shall be sent from the city of Rome with his armies. And Daniel
sets forth the ten horns and the ten diadems. And that ...
/.../from the seventeenth chapter.htm

30TH DAY. A Crown of Life.
... look forward with joyous emotion to that day of wonders, when He whose head shall
be crowned with many crowns, shall be the dispenser of royal diadems to His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/the faithful promiser/30th day a crown of.htm

The Letter of Saint Polycarp,
... helped on their way, [307] as opportunity was given you, those men who are bound
in fetters which become the saints, [308] which are indeed the diadems of the ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of saint polycarp.htm

Diadems (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Diadems (1 Occurrence). Revelation 19:12 And his
eyes 'are' a flame of fire, and upon his head 'are' many ...
/d/diadems.htm - 6k

Diadem (9 Occurrences)
... and upon his heads seven diadems" (the King James Version "crowns"); Revelation
13:1: "a beast. and on his horns ten diadems"; 19:11, 12: "a white horse. ...
/d/diadem.htm - 11k

Crown (94 Occurrences)
... 19:12) both the Revised Version (British and American) and the American Standard
Revised Version translation it not "crowns" but "diadems," thus making the ...
/c/crown.htm - 58k

Dial (2 Occurrences)

/d/dial.htm - 19k

Knoweth (152 Occurrences)
... Revelation 19:12 And his eyes 'are' a flame of fire, and upon his head 'are' many
diadems; and he hath a name written which no one knoweth but he himself. ...
/k/knoweth.htm - 35k

Images (158 Occurrences)
... moon as "the bull among the stars," and rough figures of the gods were carved in
human or animal form, or these are represented pictorially by diadems or horns ...
/i/images.htm - 70k

King (25505 Occurrences)
... 19:16). "Upon his head are many diadems" (Revelation 19:12). See also CHRIST,
OFFICES OF. Archibald M'caig. KING; KINGDOM. king'-dum ...
/k/king.htm - 64k

Archaeology
... wonderful Constantinople Museum is that from Troy, which contains bronze axes and
lance heads, implements in copper, talents of silver, diadems, earrings and ...
/a/archaeology.htm - 61k

Minor (2 Occurrences)
... wonderful Constantinople Museum is that from Troy, which contains bronze axes and
lance heads, implements in copper, talents of silver, diadems, earrings and ...
/m/minor.htm - 62k

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