כֶּתֶר
Keter
Crown, royal diadem
Keter (כֶּתֶר) is a Hebrew word meaning “crown, royal diadem,” pronounced “KEH-ter.” Derived from the root כ-ת-ר, keter appears 3 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H3804).
| Hebrew | כֶּתֶר |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Keter |
| Pronunciation | KEH-ter |
| Meaning | Crown, royal diadem |
| Root Letters | כ-ת-ר |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 3× |
| Key Verse | Esther 2:17 |
| Strong's Number | H3804 |
| Category | Kingdom & Authority |
The Hebrew word keter (כֶּתֶר) carries a weight that goes far beyond a jeweled headpiece. In the Book of Esther — the only book of the Bible where God's name never appears — the keter becomes the visible symbol of divine providence working through human courage. When Esther receives the royal keter (Esther 2:17), it is the turning point that positions her to save her people. But keter's significance extends even further in Jewish thought. In the Kabbalah, Keter is the highest of the ten sefirot — the supreme 'crown' of divine attributes, representing God's infinite will that precedes all other emanations. For Christians, the New Testament promises a 'crown of life' (James 1:12) and a 'crown of righteousness' (2 Timothy 4:8) to those who persevere. The biblical arc moves from a crown placed on Esther's head to crowns laid at Jesus' feet — and understanding keter reveals a theology of authority, humility, and ultimate reward.
Key Bible Verse: Esther 2:17
“The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight, so that he set the royal crown (keter) on her head and made her queen.”
What Is the Root of Keter in Hebrew?
Keter comes from the root כ-ת-ר (kaf-tav-resh), meaning 'to surround, encircle.' A crown literally encircles the head, symbolizing authority that encompasses all under the ruler's domain.
What Does Keter Mean in the Bible?
Keter appears 3 times in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively in Esther (1:11, 2:17, 6:8). The more common word for crown is 'atarah' (עֲטָרָה), appearing 23 times. Together they paint a picture of royal authority, honor, and divine reward.
How Is Keter Used in Modern Hebrew?
In Jewish tradition, 'Keter Torah' (Crown of Torah) appears in Pirkei Avot 4:13, teaching that the crown of a good name surpasses all other crowns. Every person bears inherent dignity — a keter of God-given worth.
How to Use Keter in Prayer & Worship
Remember that God has crowned you with lovingkindness and mercy (Psalm 103:4). Live in the authority He has given you, and look forward to laying every crown at His feet in worship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keter
How do you say “Crown” in Hebrew?
“Crown” in Hebrew is Keter (כֶּתֶר), pronounced “KEH-ter.” Keter comes from the root כ-ת-ר (kaf-tav-resh), meaning 'to surround, encircle.' A crown literally encircles the head, symbolizing authority that encompasses all under the ruler's domain.
What does Keter mean in the Bible?
Keter (כֶּתֶר) means “Crown, royal diadem” in Biblical Hebrew. Keter appears 3 times in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively in Esther (1:11, 2:17, 6:8). The more common word for crown is 'atarah' (עֲטָרָה), appearing 23 times. Together they paint a picture of royal authority, honor, and divine reward.
How do you pronounce Keter?
Keter is pronounced “KEH-ter.” The word comes from the Hebrew root כ-ת-ר.
What is the difference between keter and atarah in Hebrew?
Both mean 'crown,' but keter specifically refers to the royal crown of a king or queen, appearing only in Esther. Atarah is broader — wreath, garland, or crown of honor. Proverbs 12:4 calls a virtuous wife an atarah to her husband. Keter carries sovereign authority; atarah carries earned honor.
What is Keter in Jewish mysticism?
In Kabbalah, Keter ('Crown') is the highest of the ten sefirot — the divine attributes through which God interacts with creation. Keter represents God's supreme will beyond human comprehension, sitting at the top of the Tree of Life.
What crowns does the New Testament promise believers?
The New Testament describes several crowns: the crown of life (James 1:12), the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8), the crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4), and the imperishable crown (1 Corinthians 9:25). Revelation 4:10 shows elders casting their crowns before God's throne.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H3804: Keter
- Bible Gateway — Esther 2:17 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for כ-ת-ר
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