Expert: Glenn Hansen - 6/6/2008

Question
What is the significance of the seven crowns in Revlation 12:3?

Answer
Fantin, The interpretation of apocalyptic imagery is a fascinating and, at times, difficult work. I'm going to give you some ideas on how to go about understanding symbolism; then you can do your own study of various symbols and images found in Revelation.

Start with a good concordance or search program. I use the online Bible. It is available free online.

http://www.onlinebible.net/

Once you have either this program or a Concordance such as Strong's, find the word "crown" and do a search of all its uses in Scripture. Start with Revelation, Daniel, and then look at other books.

Scripture interprets or explains itself. Through prayer, the Holy Spirit can teach you. It is a wonderful experience to understand Scripture, to be taught of God.

There are two different words in Revelation translated as crown or diadem.  I also noticed that the diadems move from the horns to the heads of the beasts in Revelation 12 and 13:

Re 12:3  And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns <1238> upon his heads.
Re 13:1  And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns <1238>, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
Re 19:12  His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns <1238>; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

Here are the verses in Revelation where a different word is used with a similar meaning:

Re 2:10  Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown <4735> of life.
Re 3:11  Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown <4735>.
Re 4:4  And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns <4735> of gold.
Re 4:10  The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns <4735> before the throne, saying,
Re 6:2  And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown <4735> was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
Re 9:7  And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns <4735> like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.
Re 12:1  And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown <4735> of twelve stars:
Re 14:14  And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown <4735>, and in his hand a sharp sickle.


While not a direct answer, I hope this helps.