A crown is a form of headwear worn by a monarch or by a deity. Traditionally, crowns have represented power, legitimacy, victory, triumph, honor, and glory, as well as immortality, righteousness, and resurrection. Based on this description, it is no surprise that the prophet Isaiah describes Jesus as a glorious crown in the following passage.
In that day the Lord Almighty
will be a glorious crown,
a beautiful wreath
for the remnant of his people.
He will be a spirit of justice
to the one who sits in judgment,
a source of strength
to those who turn back the battle at the gate (Isaiah 28:5-6)
Throughout the Bible, Jesus physically and figuratively wore several different crowns. Consider the significance of the following:
Crown of thorns
The crown of thorns placed upon Jesus’ head before his crucifixion symbolized Israel’s rejection of her King. To the Roman soldiers, the crown of thorns was meant to mock Jesus’ as the King of the Jews. In reality, it was truly a symbol of power. Only Jesus had the ability to ultimately conquer sin and death through his death, burial and resurrection.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all (Isa. 53:5-6).
Crown of glory and honor
Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to heaven. He has been crowned with glory and honor as he sits the Father’s right hand.
The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool (Matthew 22:44).
Crowned of triumph
The final chapters of Revelation record Jesus’ return to earth and his final triumph over sin and death. Immortality.
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:11-16).
Jesus Christ – glorious crown, King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s.
“Crown Him with many crowns, The Lamb upon His throne. Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns, All music but its own! Awake, my soul and sing, Of Him who died for thee, And hail Him as thy matchless King, Thro’ all eternity.”
Matthew Bridges (1851)